Scripture: Philippians 4:8 KJV- “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Quote: A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook. – Solomon (Proverbs 18:4)
Some Thoughts: Some of my favorite words or phrases are: “vertizontally”, “Re-present Christ”, and “Binge Jesus”. A new favorite word of mine is “whatsoever”. I looked it up, and found: “Whatsoever is an adverb used for emphasis, and it means ‘at all.’ The word whatsoever is an old-fashioned way to emphasize a point.” There are six “whatsoever” things in Philippians 4:8 KJV- “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any praise, think on these things.”
There are so many negative “whatsoever things” that could be turned to positive “whatsoever things” by changing our thinking: Instead of: “Oh no, what ever is happening?” think “Oh yes, what are you doing, Lord?” Instead of: “scary, creepy, afraid,” think “courage, hope.” Instead of: “chaos,“ think “peace.” Instead of: “brokenness,” think “healing.” Instead of: “sadness,” think “joy.” Change the negative “whatsoever”s into positives.
So many times in the psalms, David started out with a lament, but by the middle or end of the psalm, he turned from lamenting to praise. It is a conscious choice, a “whatsoever” choice. Psalm 30:11-12 ESV – “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing Your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever!”
There is a song which could be a modern-day lament, similar to the psalm-writer David’s. It’s “Where are you Christmas?” recorded by Mariah Carey for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” If you’ve seen the movie, it’s hard to forget little Cindy Lou singing: “Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you? Why have you gone away? Where is the laughter you used to bring me? Why can’t I hear music play? My world is changing, I’m rearranging. Does that mean Christmas changes too?”
Just like David in many of his psalms, Cindy Lou’s “lamenting” turns to joy: “Christmas is here! Everywhere! Christmas is here if you care. If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel like Christmas all the time! Oh, I feel you Christmas! I know I’ve found you, you never fade away. The joy of Christmas stays here inside us, fills each and every heart with love! Where are you Christmas? Fill your heart with Love!”
It takes effort and a conscious choice to look for the “whatsoevers” and think on those things. (The CSB version says “dwell” on these things.) The Amplified Bible says it this way: “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” (Philippians 4:8 AMP)
Oh, dear friends, it is so important for us to incorporate these thoughts and words into our speech! Implant them in your heart. Be encouraged. And go encourage someone else with some positive “whatsoever”s!
Prayer: The prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.”
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What a great way to start my day!
Taking a friend to town who is mourning the loss of her husband this is perfect reading for this day. Thank you!!
So much goodness, to turn negatives to positives. trying to understand others and be an encourager….this is what i need to keep on. Blessings to you
💕