I’ve recently had Phillippians 4:8 in my head a large portion of the time.
“... 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.”
This is a call to redirect our thoughts with purpose, to not succumb to the negativity or darkness that so often surrounds us. It isn’t a mere call to positive thinking. It is a reminder that the God who made us in his image has surrounded us by others who are made in his image. It’s a call to remember that we are allowed to enjoy the brisk air on a cool summer morning, revel in the beauty of a stunning sunset and weep with joy as we witness another person sacrifice a portion of their life for the good of another.
In traveling to the countries where partners work we often get to see the causes of poverty first-hand. We see war, drought, and disease and the havoc these things cause in the lives of everyone touched by them. At home it doesn’t take more than a short drive to see the effects of spiritual poverty, they’re hard to ignore in the lives of those with mental health and addiction struggles who live near the HFL office. And all of us will come face to face with the loss of loved ones, financial instability, sugar coated spirituality, and so much more.
But we also have so many opportunities to engage our thoughts with what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!
In Guatemala I have witnessed the strength of a family working towards empowering children in their community by providing a strong education. In Mexico I have seen many girls given fresh opportunities to see themselves as daughters who are loved by God- and opportunity to thrive! In Peru I’ve seen our partner’s sacrifice their time and comfort to reach rural villages with the gospel as they teach women in their seventies to read for the first time. In Ukraine I saw hope in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation and beautiful hospitality despite great loss. In Cambodia I witnessed openness to strangers unlike anything I had ever seen before.
These are the things I want to think about, these are the gifts I want to put into practice in my own life. We don’t have to travel to see what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. When we open our eyes and hearts to look for these things they are all around us.
Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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