Think upon these things

"Feed your faith, and your doubts and fears will starve to death." You can end this challenging year on a strong note by focusing upon key words of faith that describe this season. In doing so, you will dispel some of the negativity of a pandemic year while preparing for a new chapter.

 Words are powerful.  As I discussed in my last blog post, numerous studies reveal that our outlook is dramatically improved when we nourish ourselves with a constant positive comment flow.  Positive words change your brain, and ultimately your actions. Several faith-filled, affirmative words describe this season. Think about these things.

 Hope is the fuel that propels us into the future. The old Christmas Carol explains the season well.

 O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

 "Sin and error" fills our lives don't they? What we see in the mirror indeed causes us to "pine" about ourselves.  Our self-worth ends up in the toilet.

 But the Divine has intervened in your world. Consider that the Almighty God considers you so valuable, He became like you in the flesh. When you look intently upon the manger, your soul will once again feel its worth. If God does not hold your shortcomings against you, why should you?

 Are there any more fitting words to describe our contemporary world than "weary"? A few days ago, a close friend of many years past went to be with the Lord. Some days sadness reigns. But the season tells me that life is only beginning for my friend. Jesus shows us that even death cannot rob us of our hope. Meditate on your hope.

 Peace on earth, goodwill towards all people upon whom God's favor rests. No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace. We've lived through a year where peace is in short supply. But you can experience peacefulness whenever you like. Your tranquility is not dependent upon external factors.

 Make peace with yourself. You can be your best friend. Part of the definition of a good friend is one who accepts you for who you are, where you are. I hope you have comrades in your life who fit that definition.  I also hope your closest comrade is the one you see in the mirror. You are one decision away from personal peace.

 Be at peace with others. "There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it ill-behooves any of us to judge the rest of us." Strife of every sort has marred 2020. When we needed peace, we crazy humans vilified one another, tore each other down, and treated each other unkindly.  What a waste! One great Biblical author taught it wise to "live at peace with one another," especially as far as it depends upon you. Be at peace with your mate, your children, parents, neighbors, and co-workers. Peace is a decision you make. Its fruit is so much more enjoyable than strife.

 Enjoy peace with God. God came to make peace with you. The infant Jesus is God holding out the olive branch of peace. We discover much in life that causes discord with the Almighty. Our sin causes us to hide just as Adam and Eve cowered in the Garden. Sometimes, our circumstances instigate anger towards our Creator. Many have lost loved ones recently. Death makes us angry, as it should. God understands, for He too, hates death.  His very nature is life. Sometimes the only way to direct our exasperation is up. That is okay; God gets it. But don't set up camp in that woods.

 The old saying goes, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." If you do, you'll end up starving. Sometimes we weaken ourselves by refusing nourishment from the One place that can feed the depths of our soul.  Make peace with God. You will not regret it.

 Hope and Peace, two life-giving words of the season. "8 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. 9 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." (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV)

 More words tomorrow.  Think on these things.

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