DON’T LET IT LAND!
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)
Every single day, you will be bombarded with thoughts, some good and some bad. The major problem is you have a real enemy who wants to cut you off from the truth and life in the Spirit. How does he do that? Lies. He will get you to compare yourself with others constantly, doubt God’s goodness, and believe things that aren’t true. This is his number one tactic and why he’s referred to as the father of lies. If you aren’t aware of this, you’re destined to fail. The world is too dark, and the enemy too unwavering for you to stumble into victorious living. So, what’s the solution? What's your weapon? Philippians 4:8-9 is a truth that cuts through the lies of the enemy. Memorize it. Repeat it. Live in it.
Think of yourself as an air-traffic controller. Your job is to cut through the lies of the enemy. When you feel unworthy, you remind yourself that’s not true. If you’re in Jesus, then you’re a co-heir with Christ. If you feel like you won’t ever overcome that struggle, you remind yourself that’s not right or pure; we are more than conquerors in Jesus. When you feel insecure that you haven’t done enough with your life or the mistakes from the past surface, then you remind yourself that’s not admirable and that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. The point is to use Philippians 4:8 as a grid to choose what lands in your mind and heart. Every thought and idea shouldn’t have permission to land; only you can give permission for things to land in your heart. Don’t be fooled by this. People can say all sorts of things, hurt and tear us down, but only you can permit those thoughts to stick in your mind. Stop giving others and the enemy more power than they have. It’s not wise to ponder on thoughts that aren’t helpful. A child-like faith requires us to become less aware of our surroundings and more aware of our Savior. You can’t choose what comments, hurts, and pains enter the airspace of your life, but you can choose which ones dwell there.
APPLICATION: Choose what thoughts you allow to dwell and land in your heart.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit if there’s anything you are holding onto. Release any thoughts that aren’t true or helpful!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?