The family was enjoying our pie after a large Thanksgiving feast. I asked my mom how her side of the family was doing because we don’t really know them very well and they are spread out all over the opposite side of the country.   She is one of 12 siblings so the family is quite large.  She proceeded to tell me that I had a cousin that at a very young age had a heart attack, another cousin has stomach cancer, and another attempted suicide.  Only these tragic events were recalled.   When she finished, I paused, and said, “Well then, we have a lot to be thankful for”.

Sometimes we want to focus on what is wrong as if it carries more weight than what is good and right. The death rather than the birth, the sickness rather than the answered prayer for healing.  It might have something to do with what we are exposed to day to day in society.  The breaking news in the morning  is usually story after story of bad and sometimes shocking headlines all intended to grab our attention.   Are we conditioned to only react to the bad things, the tragic things, the things that make you stop and shake your head?   If this is so, how can we change it?

Paul gave instructions to the church of Philippi and called them to make a shift in how and with what they were busying their minds in Philippians 4:8 (NIV) which says “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.”  I know this scripture goes deeply into the goodness of God but the words are relevant to teaching us about how to use our minds to focus on what is good.

Paul also says in Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  This scripture clearly states that we need to replace the world’s way of thinking with a Godly manner of thinking which is achievable through reading His Word and getting to know Him.  For only He is good, pure, noble, and true.

Father, Thank You for the tools to train our minds to see Your goodness and not be so focused on the drama of this world. Help us to discern and celebrate Your good and perfect way.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.