“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8

For over twenty years my heart and life were constantly filled with negative thoughts.  I’ve had people ask me how I can stay filled with Joy even in the midst of heartache.  It is because I have learned through bitter experience that if I will keep my heart and thoughts centered on Jesus, and not on the world or my circumstances, then I can remain at Peace.  I’m not successful every minute of the day, but I can honestly say that when I go to bed at night, ninety percent of the time, I start laughing out loud because I know Jesus Loves me.

Nothing and nobody can keep us depressed if we will center our thoughts and affections on Jesus.  We will have valleys and they may be so painful that it is almost unbearable, but Jesus is Faithful.  He will always put the song back into our hearts.  He will chase the clouds of hurt and pain away and replace them with His Joy and Peace.  There is no One like Jesus!

Have you centered your thoughts on things pertaining to Jesus, or have you been constantly dwelling on things that hurt the Heart of Jesus?  Not only do we suffer when we constantly dwell on negative things; we turn others away from the Love of Jesus.  One day, all of us will give an account of how we served Jesus.  Will you be able to look Jesus in the Eyes or will you have to look away in shame?

July 17, 2005