Look for the positive - Fraser Leach
Look for the positive - Phil 4 v4-9
We can find good in every situation and we can find God and his goodness there too. In Roms 5v20 it says “where sin abounded, grace abounded so much more”
So here in v4, it says, rejoice in the Lord. Don’t just look at the bad/evil happening around, look at the good God is doing and rejoice. Rejoicing is an outward expression of an inner joy and when directed toward God can be expressed as prayer, praise, worship etc. Many of the psalms are psalms of praise and are often sung as hymns or spiritual songs.
Sometimes this idea of praise and worship can seem a little bit strange but it really should be quite natural especially as God responds to our praise. In Psalm 22v3 it says that God inhabits the praises of his people and in another place Jesus says “where 2 or 3 people are gathered in my name, I will be there in the midst”
So what we have not got here is God demanding praise in order to satisfy some need or ego. Rather what we have is a party filled with rejoicing because of what God has done.
In the human realm it is very natural for us to get together in celebration and rejoicing, in praise for what someone has done and very often it can be the greater praising the lesser, so God will come to our praise parties to praise us as much as to receive praise. Jesus called Matthew the tax collector and went to his house for a party and whilst there he was praising Matthew for what he had done and the change in his life.
So let's rejoice in God and not forget his benefits (Ps 103v2) because he has done many great and wonderful things for us.
Because of this we can show our gentleness to all(v5). We don't have to try to get one over others or compete with them for God’s affections or attention. We can show a better way in which all the backbiting and in- fighting is not necessary. Instead we can pray (v6). We should not be anxious about anything but rather present our requests to God.
Note:
This is “in every situation”, nothing is too big or small for God.
it is with “prayers and petitions”, involving asking for our needs (and those of others) to be met, but so much more as well (otherwise why ‘prayers’ as well as ‘petitions'). It is not the servant going to the King or the guilty going to the judge, in fear and trembling. Rather it is prayer built on relationship, like the child going to their loving Father.
it involves “thanksgiving”, which highlights the importance of praise mentioned earlier. It is also true to say that thanking God for past blessings boosts our faith in asking with petitions and prayers now.
it results in “peace which passes understanding” and “guards our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus”. This is because the thankfulness is more than just thanking God for the things he has done, it is thanking God for who he is (which is worship), the nature of his whole being, which is love. Therefore peace can surpass the understanding of the difficult situation and keep us safe in Jesus, knowing his love will conquer all.
Rom 8v31 “If God be for us, who can be against us” and v39 “nothing can separate us from God’s love”. In v8 Paul moves onto the importance of what we think, because what we think is what can fill our mind and is what can come out in our attitudes, actions etc.
He lists 8 things to think on. These are whatever is
true
noble
right
pure
lovely
admirable
excellent
praiseworthy
The first one, true, seems somewhat of an odd one out. Not so much a contradiction, but something that does not necessarily fit in. However, true things can be pure, lovely etc, but equally things can be horrible and true. The Passion Version uses the words ‘authentic’ and ‘real’; true things that lead to good, not to breakdown, misery etc.
“Speak the truth in love” Eph 4v15
The contents of the list varies. I don’t think that this is important. The important thing is to generally think of good things because this will change your life.
Let’s think good things about ourselves, good things about others and look for good things in bad situations. It is not denying the truth, rather it is putting aside the negativity and looking for the good/best at all times, even if it does sometimes seem to be well hidden.
It should be noted that we can all choose what we think on, whether that be good or bad. Having said that thoughts do often seem to come from nowhere, often making us feel guilty for thinking them if they are bad. In these cases we need to remember that the thoughts are not us, they merely have come to us and we don’t have to accept them. Thoughts are largely things that just come to us from outside. We don’t have to take them in, we can expel them. It’s not the thought itself that is important, it’s what we do with these thoughts and even if we do take them in it’s never too late to “change your mind” and get rid of them and have a different mindset.
Things from outside can influence us a lot, the stuff we listen to, watch on TV, read etc, as well as the opinions of others. These will inevitably bring in all kinds of thoughts and we need to make sure what we take in and dwell on is the good and healthy stuff.
We can all hear too many depressing things on the news etc and whilst I am not saying we shouldn’t be up to date with what is going on in the world, it is easy to fill our minds with depressing things which can affect our moods and those around us.
I am not trying to be boring or moralistic or dictatorial here, rather if we want to be happy, fulfilled people that affect others in a positive way then we need to be careful about what we take in and mull upon.
Let’s be those who look for the good news and positive happenings. Let’s be those who look for the good in every situation. Let’s be those who find the excuse to praise and build up instead of criticize and tear down.
If these ideas are central to our thinking then we will be positive, happy, creative people and we will affect those around us in a positive way.
And then the God of peace will be with us (v9) guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (v7).
It’s not just us battling a battle of the mind, but God is with us helping us when we start looking in the right direction.