“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11: 28 NIV).
Are you
craving rest for your soul? We have a camper on Indian Lake
and that is where I like to go to get away and get closer to God. You might say
it is my sanctuary. I find myself able to concentrate on the Lord better there
among nature and quiet. But it is all about perspective also. I anticipate
going there to unwind, pray, and get closer to God. That is my mindset when I
set out to go to the camper and the lake.
Now I
would like to discuss with you about perspectives and concentrating on thoughts
that are restful. My camper has a large deck and we have very comfy chairs on
it. Now I could sit and stare at the side of the neighbor’s camper and not
exactly find peace, but if I move down about six feet I can sit and see a
beautiful gazebo and think of Thomas Kincade pictures.
This is a
choice I can make and needless to say my choice is always to sit and gaze at
the gazebo. There is a plaque about prayer in the gazebo so when I stare at the
gazebo, I am immediately reminded of my Savior’s love for me.
We have
choices in what we think about. We can sit and think about all the troubles,
struggles, faults in others, and negative things in life or think on the many
blessings that we have and praise God for them. You must be able to choose your
thoughts just as easily as you choose a candy bar. Throw away the negative
thoughts immediately and replace them with thoughts of God’s love for you, and
His peace will fill your heart and soul. It is easy to dwell on the negative
thoughts which will only serve to bring your spirit down to depression, but you
may choose to say, no, and switch channels in your mind to how God has helped
you in the past. One verse that helps me remember what to think upon is:
“Finally, brothers, 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” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
So the
next time you are tempted to slip into the darkness of negativity, remember
that God loves you, and if you call upon His name, He will surely answer and
give you rest.
Dear Lord,
It seems
that it is very easy for us to think on negative things instead of praising you
for the blessings you have given us. Help us to be thankful in all situations
and learn that your peace is always there for us no matter what the
circumstances. Help us to remember the words of Philippians
4:8 and think on those things.
In Jesus’
name,
Amen
