Discover the secret to lasting joy and peace through a renewed focus on faith

Something to Think About:What have you been thinking about?

Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Wouldn’t you love to have perfect peace?

The same verse in the Amplified Bible says, “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character],

Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”

Wouldn’t you love to live life every day with hope and confident expectation for the day and the future?

Philippians 4:8 in the Amplified Bible says, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

Have you ever had trouble looking on the bright side of things?

Proverbs 23:7 in the Amplified Bible says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”

Let me tell you a story about Darlene to give you something to think about today.

Darlene couldn’t understand how she could go to church on Sundays and be so at peace but go home and live in constant anxiety, fear, frustration, sadness, and stress.

Have you ever experienced this in your life?

When Darlene ran into others from church throughout the week, she put on a front as if everything was okay in her life. After a while, she became convinced that everyone did this. Darlene felt like all Christians were simply hiding depression, anger, frustration, and every other negative feeling. She thought church was just a way to cope with pain and that living a better life would only be realized in Heaven.

Darlene became cynical and couldn’t imagine how one could live with joy and peace in their heart, as scripture says.

One day, while visiting Joan, an elderly lady from the church who was in the hospital, Darlene entered the room. She began expressing feelings of remorse and sadness that Joan was dealing with such a health crisis. However, Joan would have none of it. She only expressed feelings of gratefulness and had a huge smile on her face throughout the visit.

As they discussed life, when Darlene visited Joan, with every gripe, complaint, and expression of sadness that Darlene shared, Joan offered her visitor a different, more positive perspective.

After her first visit to Joan in the hospital, Darlene thought that Joan was in denial about her circumstances and put on a good act to appear strong, confident, and at peace. However, after several visits, Darlene realized it wasn’t an act. Throughout everything her sister in Christ was going through in the hospital, she still had a joyful disposition and was at peace. As a result, Darlene began to seek God for the peace and joy she saw in Joan.

What Darlene saw in her friend wasn’t based on circumstances or feelings. She noticed that Joan’s focus (the thing she thought about most) was the Lord. She often spoke of His faithfulness and love toward her even when she deserved it the least. Though in the hospital and desiring to go home, nonetheless, Joan seemed to be content.

Philippians 4:11-13 in the Amplified Bible says, “Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

The Apostle Paul stated in scripture that he “learned” to be content, whatever the circumstances. This was not to say that he settled, but he didn’t allow his circumstances to get the best of him while, at the same time, believing the Lord to bring change and make things better. He realized that it was only through Christ that he could do this.

Many have lived like Darlene did, where one’s perception of life is based on their feelings and circumstances alone. If they have a good day, the world is a good place. On the contrary, it seems to get the best of them mentally and emotionally if they have a terrible day. They are ready to throw in the towel and for Christ to come back and take them out of this God-forsaken world.

However, I challenge you to learn to think differently, like Paul did. Learn to keep your mind on the Lord and experience His perfect peace within. Keep your mind on things that are right and confirmed by God’s word. Then, you can have contentment within.

Imagine a victorious Christian life where you live in peace, joy, hope, and expectations of great things despite what is happening to you or around you. This can be your reality.

What have you been thinking about?

Keep your mind on the Lord and do as Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

This is definitely something to think about.