Beginnings. Isn't that what the new year is all about? Of course if you really want to start something new, I would argue the best time to start is today. No judging from me, I totally fall into that "well, I'll start it on Monday" trap. People set New Year's Resolutions, choose one word to live by for the year or in my case, I'm choosing a bible verse to focus on for the year. I didn't come up with it on my own but isn't it ingenious?? I should have thought of it years ago. Just think how my heart might be molded today. But it is foolish to harp on the past because that will hinder the what I can learn today.
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Phillipians 4:8
There are so many places that we can start but for me the place that makes the most sense is in my mind. How do I rid my mind of toxic thoughts? Toxic thoughts that stunt growth in my relationship with Jesus? How can I be the hands and feet of Jesus if my thoughts are all messed up? I must rid my mind of selfish thoughts, thoughts of failure and not being good enough, thoughts of comparison (women are so bad about that), thoughts of guilt and all other negative thoughts that are floating in this crazy spaghetti noodle head of mine.
I remembered this verse from Phillipians 4:8 that spells out for even the slowest of learners what our thoughts should be. Of course!! Think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Surely, those thoughts will crowd out the negative ones...eventually. I previously posted that I have unrealistic expectations. I'm not going to magically only have "the right" thoughts - though my flesh would prefer that instant gratification. It's about baby steps, friends.
So, I'm starting with expectations that are possible. When I catch myself having a negative thought, I stop myself and replace it with a positive one. This is already life changing for me. I can feel my heart change every time I do this. That is all of the motivation that I need. A girl can't ask for much more than a happy heart.
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for loving me. Thank you for showing me your Word on the types of thoughts I should have. I pray that when negative thoughts invade my mind, Lord, you will urge me to think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - anything that is excellent or praiseworthy. I pray that my heart will be open to the changes you are asking me to make. In Jesus' name, Amen
