The Joy Of The Lord

Philippians 4: 4-8

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: be joyful!
Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. 
Never worry about anything, but in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 
Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. 
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.

This is called God’s “thought list” for us. We are to train our focus on all these positive qualities. When we’re looking for these good traits instead of what we can criticize, then God’s peace will flood our consciousness beyond anything we can even imagine. 

This is amazing. Just practicing looking for the right instead of the mistakes we all make will actually protect our mental state from worry and fear. 

It really is true that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Our mental and physical and spiritual strength to experience victory over all the worries and fears our enemy throws at us. 

O my Father, thank You for all the goodness and beauty You placed on this Earth for us. Help us to train our attention and focus on all the wonderful things You give us, and to see Your image in every person You placed here in this World, even those the World would not think attractive; show us the beauty You placed there, too. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!