Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 NIV
Seriously, are you kidding me?!!! I thought to myself as I picked up my phone and noticed another politically motivated meme flashing before me. Many times before, I ignored my friend’s intense posts, knowing that she wasn’t saved and struggled with life in general. However, today, I was just bombarded with bad news on the world stage and this meme just made me mad.
Plus, my online work was piling up, dinner was in the ‘unknown’ column, and the kids were getting on my nerves. I was SO done for the day but felt I couldn’t let this post go — I started to write a ‘not so nice’ message when suddenly, I came to my senses, and erased my venom.
It was time to get off social media as it was now becoming a terrible distraction. Yet, as I began to swipe up my nemesis, I suddenly caught another friend’s post proudly displaying even MORE pictures of her wonderfully talented child.
Ahhh…how frustrating!
Why does everyone seem to have it all together?
How is it that my life seems so unbearable at times, yet, the unsaved seem to enjoy life?
These negative thoughts came roaring through my mind like a violent wave crashing in a storm. I kept dwelling on them as the kids asked what was for dinner.
Do you ever find yourself in my shoes? You may not be my size at 8 1/2, but you may have a similar ‘size’. In fact, I think as women in general, we wear a ‘one size fits all’. Don’t we? We all deal with the devil in our negative emotions that can easily distract us, damage our testimonies, and destroy our relationships.
However, when my emotions get caught up in worldly thinking, I remember one of my favorite Bible Verses in Philippians 4:8-9 I memorized a long time ago. It continues to calm the storm in my mind instantly.
As Paul reminds us in this applicable passage for today’s struggles, whatever things are true, honest, pure, and just, think ONLY on those things. In other words, keep your thoughts on godly things.
Dwelling on negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, doubt, and bitterness is not pleasing to God because it means a lack of faith. As the Bible states, we must trust in the Lord will ALL of our heart, and lean not on our own understanding.
We only see things in one dimension. He sees every situation and every person and every dimension. Faith in Him will give you the spiritual fruits such as joy, peace, patience, and love.
Then, he continues with a wonderful benefit in Phillipians 4:9, Those things, which ye have both, learned, and received and heard and seen in me, do: and the God of PEACE shall be with you.
What a wonderful promise — we can have unshakeable peace! Do you have peace throughout the day or are you finding yourself caught up in the diversions of social media and daily obstacles? If so, you are not alone my friend.
Let’s remember God’s promise throughout the day — the God of PEACE shall be with you if you clean up the spiritual clutter in your mind. The negative distractions of today whisper in our ear how we are inadequate, unworthy, and unloved. We can divert ourselves instead to God’s Word that promotes contentment and a calm spirit.
If you need positive and consistent reminders like me, here are some techy tips to make your phone look more like a Bible than a worldly tool:
- Save your favorite Bible Verse as your screensaver
- Download a Bible App like “Bible” and read His Word daily
- Use Google Notes to write down your thoughts and His message to you
- Sign up for a daily or weekly devotional via email for consistent encouragement
- Keep calm with a printable coloring page displaying God’s trusting Word
Let’s not forget He will save us from our own impending doom. God’s peace is stronger than any storm we encounter.
Let’s Pray, my friends:
Lord, don’t let me get easily discouraged with the distractions of today. Whether it’s online or offline, help me be an encourager, not a discourager. As I find myself in my own man-made storms, Lord, remind me of this unshakable peace that’s promised in your Word. You’ve got this.
Looking for more Biblical Encouragement to feed your soul? Be sure to visit our Weekly Devotional Archives!
You can also find amazing Scripture graphics to share on social media, as well as phone screensavers!
