The Book of PhilippiansPart IV: Joy IN Jesus

Scripture: 
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8-9, ESV

Observation: 
Joy in the midst of every circumstance, and finding that joy in Christ is crucial to our walk. Our thoughts are an internal monologue, serving as an indicator of whether or not we are healthy or unhealthy, anxious or at peace, lustful or pure. I’ve wrestled with lust for the majority of my life-starting at an age so young that it was in the single digits. It distorted who I was and shaped much of my identity for years. Only when coming back to the Lord did I realize how much my internal thought patterns needed to change. 
Would you imagine with me for a moment that everyone you were around during the day would be able to read your thoughts? Every single perception and raw thought, an audible sound in someone else’s ear? You’d probably feel a bit uncomfortable and wouldn’t like it very much. The thing is, the Lord knows every thought we think. Every train of thought, whether good or bad, He is more than aware. What we think of is a direct correlation to what’s in our hearts. 
Where our thoughts go, we go. To keep joy in Jesus, our thoughts need to be fixed on what is above. The promises in Scripture, the character of God, the renewing of our mind — focusing on Him allows the focus to be less on us. In that, there is so much joy to be had as He comes in to heal our minds. 

Application: 
Breakthrough in unhealthy thinking patterns is possible with the renewed mind of Christ. Joy is restorable, and if you are feeling hopeless — Scripture reminds us of how close the Lord is. He has promised to give us a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). As you go through your week, invite the Lord into your thinking. Maybe it’s a restless pattern of rumination, or an addiction you can’t seem to lay down on your own, or even just negative self-thinking.
Take it to the Lord. Write out the thoughts you’re having and, for every thought you’re wrestling with, write a counter truth. If you’re wrestling with lust, the Lord tells us to flee from sexual temptation. If you’re struggling with anxiety, the Lord says to cast our anxieties and cares on Him. Think about your thoughts, and they’ll show you where you are. What flows out of our mouths starts in our heart, then our mind, and then out it flows.
What’s in your heart?
Keep coming to Him; He is always a safety net to catch you. He loves you too much to leave you in that cycle as long as you are willing to reach out to Him. 

Prayer:
Lord, I repent of any time that I have sat with sin and allowed it into my life. Help me to keep thinking on things that are pure and holy; I want to look like you. I want my mind to be pure, my intentions to be pure, and to be washed by you. Keep cleansing me, Lord. 
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.