November Gratitude… The Journey Begins

Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Philippians 4:8 GNT

Before we move too deeply into the power of gratitude this month, I think it is important to first take inventory where and on what we place our attention.

A recent study out of Queen’s University in Canada shows the average person has 6,200 thoughts per day. So if this is true, the Apostle Paul gives us clear instruction as to what our focus should be for these thousands of activity patterns in the brain!

So… before we start this month, take a moment and be honest with yourself. On average, what is this nature of these thoughts?

Are they negative? Positive? Shaming? Worrisome? Anxious? Happy? Peaceful?

I love that God’s Word didn’t need a neuroscience academic project to instruct us on the importance of our thinking. Paul is clear on WHAT we should think about. But he also gives us the outcome IF our thoughts are fixed on God….

The results are in… “THEN the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4:9b

Wow. God of Peace! OK. Sign me up.

So this morning take a moment and lay down every single anxious thought and just be mindful throughout your day. What are those 6,200 thoughts doing for you? Are they ushering in the God of peace or do they keep you swirling with the cares of the world?

Be kind to yourself as you reflect. No judgement. Just inventory.