Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

So, how are you doing on the challenge? Are you rejoicing in the Lord always? Are you thinking on things of TRUTH? Are you thinking on noble things?

I don't know about you, but I feel pretty confident in my determining right from wrong. But, as I was studying on this passage again this week and pondered whether I actually THINK on these things that are "right" I had to wonder. I actually think I probably tend to think about the WRONG more than the right! Ouch! I don't think I ever would have even thought that of myself until I began thinking about what I was supposed to be thinking about for this 4:8 challenge. I think about what I have done wrong, what my kids are doing wrong, how can I fix what is wrong, what is wrong with that person over there, alllll of the wrong things with our world today...and the list goes on!

So, how can we learn to dwell on what is right? How do we stop focusing on the things going wrong around us and place our focus back on the true, noble, right...thus allowing us to dwell on rejoicing in the Lord?

I love this verse, actually a lot of this psalm goes along with the "thinking on these things...right" theme. Wow, these words are just perfect for the 4:8 challenge! The following verses that I have quoted have confirmed something in my heart...God's WORD is what is perfectly RIGHT. When we dwell and meditate on the very words of our Father, He brings us that peace and joy we are lacking. Now, don't get me wrong...I already told you that I have struggled with depression. I am NOT saying that by doing one thing, God will do something good for you. I am not saying that there is a formula to happiness. I am saying that when we dwell on God's word, I believe He enables us to focus on Him and rejoice in Him even though our circumstances may not be worthy of rejoicing over. We may be going through the valley, but when we choose to pick up His word and put our thoughts and focus there, He reminds us that He IS our joy. He IS our strength. He IS our peace. Not all of those other things that steal our joy...yes, they are there and will continue to happen this side of heaven. But, we know that our circumstances are not our true source of joy. Sometimes I need that reminder.

"The precepts of the Lord are RIGHT, giving JOY to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb...may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:8-10, 14

Another favorite passage of mine that has become a prayer in my life (over and over again!) is Psalm 25:4-5, "show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long." Well, this Psalm goes on to say, "He guides the humble in what is RIGHT, and teaches them His way." Ps. 25:9

"For the word of the Lord is RIGHT and TRUE; he is faithful in all he does." Psalm 33:4

"Your statutes are forever RIGHT..." Psalm 119:144

"There is a way that seems RIGHT to man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12 -- if this is not a verse encouraging you to trust in the LORD and not to lean on your own understanding, I don't know what is!

"But even if you should suffer for doing what is RIGHT, you are blessed." 1 Peter 3:14