Reflections4Life January 11th, 2015
“Reflect upon God’s Goodness”
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 81; Isaiah 63; Philippians 4…
There is so much happening in our lives, in this world, that we can become overwhelmed, bogged down, and distracted that we forget about the good things in our lives; to reflect upon God's goodness. It's fairly easy to get caught up in a spirit of complaint and to become jaded and pessimistic about life. It is quite understandable, considering the world we live in and if you watch the news at all. It is far and few between to see a story about that which is good and uplifting.
I pray today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Make a determined effort to set time aside and reflect upon the goodness of our Father. Take a few moments each day and meditate on the things of God, allowing God space to rest in your heart and mind.
We need to steal away and give ourselves some quiet time to reflect; to reflect upon the blessings of our life. Whether it's one thing or a 100—take a moment to reflect, give thanks, and think on the goodness of God. Sure, there is always something we can complain about. But it is more prudent, wise, and healthy to find and reflect upon that which is good. When we think on those things...those good things, it does a wonder for our soul and spirit, our disposition.
We give this world enough of our time and mental space as it is. It would be a shame to give it our heart and the essence of who we truly are. That privilege belongs to God. Yet, it seems much easier for us to open our mouths to complain rather than praise. Yes, sometimes our problems are front and center, and we can be blinded by what is continually before us. That is why we must learn to consciously and purposefully take time out that is dedicated to centering our hearts and minds on the goodness of God; on those things in our lives that we can be thankful for.
A few years ago, someone I know, told me about a gratitude journal that they started to keep. Each night before they went to sleep, they would write down at least one thing they were grateful for that day. Sometimes it was one thing, other times a few things. But what she found is, that in her consistency to keep the gratitude journal, throughout the day she became more aware of the good things, so that she would have more to write down in her journal. It caused her to shift her focus from that which was wrong and displeasing, to that which was good and going right in her life. Whether it was the blessing of waking up, having a job or the simple pleasure and surprise of someone buying her a cup of coffee when she had no spare change.
I often speak about perception and how it determines our reality. I am of the firm belief that however we perceive things, will determine our reality. If we continue to perceive our lives and the situations that occur in them with the eyes of negativity, then our reality will only reflect that perception; a life filled with negativity, because that is all we would be able to see. Yet, if our perception was peppered with a spirit of hope and belief in the goodness of God, and we were of the persuasion that all things truly do work out for our good (Romans 8:28); then our reality would be one of hope and faith; even in the midst of disappointments and the negativity of the world we live in.
It is a conscious effort we must take in our daily life to reflect upon God’s goodness. To see the good in our lives amongst the bad. To be able to shine in the midst of darkness. To hope in the midst of sorrow. To laugh in the throes of mourning. To maintain faith in the face of adversity. We must determine to set apart the time, choosing at least one thing to think upon and thank God for, while pushing down the flesh’s natural inclination to pick at a scab and to harp on the negative things alone.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that the reality of God’s love for you will overshadow the perceptions of negativity that can exist within your life. Take the time to count your blessings and not the problems. Reflect upon God's goodness and His love for you. Be still and let the Father love you. You are blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing.
©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.
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