I was reminded yesterday when listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast the importance of what we think about. Take the time to listen to Patsy’s story as she explains how to refuse the unhealthy thoughts, replace with Philippians 4:8 and learn to repeat this practice. After all these years I am still in the learning stage to take my thoughts captive in the obedience of Christ. (Paraphrase mine)
Click the link below to listen to Pasty Claremont’s story. ⬇️⬇️
Back in 2012/2013 Shane forced me to go back to Bible study that I did not want to attend. It was only 10 mins from our place but the panic would be so overwhelming that I could barely make the drive. But yet when I would get there the ladies and the study would give me such hope and encouragement, we were doing a study with Beth Moore (highly recommend any of her material).
Another highlight that would push me to get to my destination were a beautiful set of twins. A friend of mine, Julia, who wanted to attend the study but had twins to contend with to bring along. I volunteered to help her out so she could come, little did I know, that this distraction got my mind off myself and onto the joy that those two little people gave me. Along my drive I would think on their cute, chubby little faces and the little outfits Julia would have for me to dress them in. Julia did not realize nor did I of how the Lord used her and her two precious babies to persuade me to get out of the house, drive and get to the study to help in my healing process. The Lord always knows what we need even before we do.
My counselor at the time (through Focus on the Family) told me to think on happy things as I drove. So as I would pass along our pastures I would picture them filled with green grass, our cattle grazing and the four of us on our side by side enjoying the fruits of our labor. This too would bring me great joy and peace.
That’s exactly what Philippians 4:8 tells us to do, to think on lovely things. That’s what Patsy is explaining as she shares her story. This is not something that comes to us naturally but takes a very conscience effort to do. It takes a lot of discipline but it is a practise that will help us all in the long run. I’m still learning to perfect it and I need His strength to accomplish it! As Patsy mentioned we are all broken in one way or another and we need Him to fix us!
Finally, brethren whatever things are true, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Cilla 💕
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