By: Kacie Starr Long
So we're back with another scripture for us to reflect upon this week.
Our scripture comes from Philippians 4:8, and I decided for us to memorize the Amplified version, because this version, really...ahem...amplifies what the scripture 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]. Philippians 4:8 AMP
Feeding Our Brains "God Food"
I like this scripture because honestly, I need to feed my brain more and more of God's food, which is His word. Last week, I shared how I am prone to anxious thoughts, and get where I feel so overwhelmed that I want to dive under the covers and binge-watch Sister Wives or the Crown on Netflix as a form of escape. I know this isn't healthy, and as a mature believer, I must learn how to create healthy rhythms for dealing with stress and difficulties, cue this week's scripture, aka God food.
God has shown me, that often the root of my anxious thinking, frustration, and general feelings of being overwhelmed, is the result of wrong thinking. So this week, friends, is all about learning HOW to think.
Let's Make it Practical
We've already established that God's word is useful and that the Bible shows us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
If we are constantly feeling stressed, under pressure, and overwhelmed, then our thought patterns, and the way how we perceive things are "off." We need a reset how our brain thinks and we need to renew our mind to see things from the perspective of God.
For instance, I know God has called me to a life of fitness, eating healthily, and taking care of my body. This usually looks like going to the gym, several times a week and participating in some type of resistance training and/or cardiovascular activity.
Despite a rhythm of going to the gym consistently for over 20 years, I still battle thoughts that have been planted by the enemy about whether or not, I should go to the gym. Usually, the thoughts consist of:
"You know if you workout today, it's going to be really hard. Your body is going to be sore and tomorrow you are going to be in a lot of pain."
"You don't need to work out today, there is always tomorrow."
"The workout you have planned today is too hard. Are you sure you can really run that long on a treadmill?"
I
Instead of listening to the chatter of doubt, fear, and insecurity, I'm learning that I need to feed my brain, God's Word.
Here's how I do it.
When confronted with a thought, I ask myself: Is this thought true (does this thought line up according to God's word?)
If a thought crosses my mind that says, I am not strong enough or capable of exercising my body, I stop and think, is this true? If I don't know whether it's true or not based upon scripture, then I need to search for God's word.
The Bible tells me that: I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. The Bible tells me that through Him, I can do all things as He gives me strength.
Yes, working out can be hard on my body.
Yes, soreness and tightness are often the results of a tough workout, but I am capable. God is with me, and He will give me strength. I will be diligent and committed to taking care of my body.
Just as God has been with me for the past 20 years of working out, He will be with me each and every day. After all, God is the same "yesterday, today, and tomorrow."
God's Food Brings Victory
In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul gives his final exhortation to the church of Philippi. He encourages them to center their thoughts on things that are true, honorable, and worthy of respect; things that have been confirmed by God's word, and things that are pure, lovely, and admirable. I like to think of this verse as God's filtration system. That we can filter our thoughts, concerns, and worries through the standards set by Philippians 4:8.
I shared my example, of how Satan would love to stop me dead in my tracks when it comes to working out. Perhaps for you, he doesn't dissuade you from taking care of your body, but perhaps it's other areas in your life, where he would want to plant seeds of doubt or discouragement.
Whether it's doing the next load of laundry for our household, writing a book, helping your child with their homework, or believing God for healing in your body; you can learn how to see each and every situation through God's perspective, by remembering His word.
It Takes Work
Feeding our minds the word of God requires intention. This week, I had to suspend my holiday tv watching marathon for about 30 minutes to quiet my mind and think through my thoughts.
My brain wanted to finish watching tv, but my spirit knew that I needed to filter the myriad of thoughts running through my brain with God's word.
I took the time to process my thoughts and line them up with God's word. If the thought didn't agree with God's word, then I replaced it with His truth.
For instance, I felt God place on my heart to reach out to a new friend and schedule girlfriend time to connect and get to know one another better. Immediately, the thoughts of fear of rejection, and other thoughts like "oh, she is probably busy" or "you don't have time for this." I spent the time filtering these thoughts through God's word.
First of all, I knew that the thoughts Satan tried to plant, were thoughts rooted in the fear of rejection, and God's word tells me that I have been accepted by Him. I am accepted and loved by Him.
I also had to ask myself if my thoughts were lovely? Were these thoughts admirable and of good repute? Were they excellent?
These thoughts were none of these things, so I cast them out of my mind and replaced them with thoughts that are true. Such as:
I am loved eternally by God.
I am the above only and not beneath.
I am a treasure, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.
People enjoy my company, and good friendship refreshes the soul.
So let's take the time to intentionally meditate on our scripture for the week. Let us turn off the tv for a few minutes, and feed our brains, nourishing God food as we fold laundry, or walk on the treadmill. Let's allow God's word to permeate our hearts, minds, and spirit, as we chew on God's deliciously yummy, and nourishing word this week.
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]. Philippians 4:8 AMP
PS: If you're just joining us, we're in the midst of a journey where we are learning to fall in love with God's Word.
Each week, I share a scripture and devotional-style blog post that will be sent to your inbox. To receive the devotional emails, all you have to do is subscribe to my blog. I welcome you to join me and, feel free to share with a friend. Let's fall in love with God's Word as we explore His love letter to us.
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.