My guest today is Rose Chandler Johnson. I know her insights will bless you!
“Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” Isaiah 26:3a (KJV).
I visited the home improvement store last week. I enjoyed the background music as I browsed the aisles. The cashier was listening, too, because as I checked out, she actually started singing the lyrics of the catchy tune that filled the airwaves.
Maybe that’s when it got stuck in my head. I first noticed it as I waited at the traffic light. I was singing it in my mind. By the time I got to the grocery store, I was singing it out loud. It wasn’t even a song I liked. That wasn’t the end of it. It happened again the next day, and the next. When I started writing this, it happened again.
Do you know what I mean? Haven’t we all had songs stuck in our heads? We hear it on the radio in the car, or in church, or in the home improvement store, and at the most unexpected time, it plays over and over like a broken record. Unfortunately, negative thoughts, self-doubts, 
painful memories, and worry can get stuck in our minds as well. And like that song I was singing even though I didn’t like it, those negative thoughts can play over and over again causing us to lose our peace.
For our mental and spiritual health, it’s important that we control our thoughts.
In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul gives us a list. “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…and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Could he have been any more direct? Here we have God’s will in simple terms. Paul said “Think on these things.” I like the promise he gives. The God of peace shall be with you.
Suggested Readings: Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippines 4:8-9.
Journal Considerations: Make a list of some of the negative thoughts that have worried you lately.
List the eight things Paul tells us to think about.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as the Psalmist has said, “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight.” Help me to bring every thought into conformity to your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today’s Sweet Tea Moment: When I am preoccupied with stormy thoughts and worries, I will fix my mind on He who calms the storm.
Prayer focus: Those tormented by unholy thoughts.
What defines me as a person—first and foremost is my relationship with Christ. Then I say my children. I have six children, three sons and three daughters, whom I love with all my heart. I graduated college wanting to be a writer and a stay at home mom. After my divorce, I became a teacher and the writing became a once in a while thing. I have worked in education for the last 20 years. Currently, I’m a high school French teacher. (Oui, je parle francais.) In 2008, I started writing again. Mostly I write about God in my everyday life, how to connect faith to daily life, and figure out practical applications for Scripture to carry into my day. God’s goodness has given me strength for each step of the way. Oh, by the way, I’m a Southern girl. Born in Georgia, and have lived in Martinez (suburb of Augusta, GA) for the last twenty-seven years.
Author of God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments, a devotional http://ow.ly/mJQtj
Blog: Write Moments with God
http://www.writemomentswithgod.blogspot.com
Twitter: @rechanjo
2 Comments
This is SO true. I’ve been living Philippians 4:8-9 out loud for the past couple of months. As long as I keep my thoughts in check and focused on the things of Jesus, I remain in peace. If I allow my thoughts to wander I can melt down in a heartbeat. God’s word is Truth and living. Why do we every doubt His instruction? Thanks for sharing Rose with us today. Love you Norma.
Thank you Nan. It was my pleasure. I really appreciate Norma having me on.