Take That Thought Captive!

Dear Writer,

It can be easy to become discouraged. There are so many reports that could drag us down or cause us to fear. But I have good news for you today, writer. Our King has given us a way to replace every fearful input, and that way is simply this:

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

You see, writer? Our King has given us a measuring stick to determine what thoughts get our time of day. Let’s look at a few of them.

Whatever is true.

Some things simply aren’t true, writer. We shouldn’t waste any time on these thoughts. This goes for a LOT of worries about things that will likely NEVER happen but look as if they were inevitable. When that happens, remember what your King has spoken about those situations. THAT is what is true.

Whatever is honorable.

Sometimes we hear things, writer, that aren’t honorable. Gossip—celeb news—slurs. The good news? We can simply discount those thoughts. They failed the honorable test. So don’t waste any energy on it.

Whatever is just.

There are many unjust things that happen in the world, writer. Btu unless they touch us or our lives and the things the Lord has called to—let me free you today writer—those injustices are not for you! Don’t let a world of injustice bog down your writing! Focus on God’s justice. Ask Him for it. Trust Him for it. And move forward.

Whatever is pure.

Our King has called us to purity, writer. This may be the simplest test of all. If it’s not pure—discard it. It was never meant for you! And if there is some impurity troubling you, lift it into the light of our King. And maybe ask a trusted friend to help you, too!

Here’s the thing, writer. We are not made to go through life underneath our circumstances. We are made to usher the presence of our King into discouraging situations and lift them up. Up to Him and into the light of His truth.And when we do that, we’ll find He’s our strength, writer, and we will be able to encourage others as well!

So I encourage you today, writer. If you end up with some discouraging news, don’t hesitate—take that thing and lift it to our King—and then leave it there with Him! And then lift up your pen and write the good news that He has given you!

#goodthoughts #prayer #encouragement #everywriterwriting