Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.
…think about these things.
Why is it that we remember criticism so much more vividly than praise? Why is it that harsh words have more of an impact on us than gentleness? Why is it that our failures prey on our thoughts while our accomplishments are quickly forgotten?
St. Paul understands that our human nature is hard wired to worry. That’s why he reminds us to look at ourselves and the world around us as God sees us. God created the world and pronounced it good. God describes us as the apple of God’s eye and has our names inscribed on the palm of God’s hand. God loves us so much that Jesus came to live as one of us and to die for our sake.
Why, then, do we spend such an inordinate amount of our time in worry and dissipation?
This is why our spiritual disciplines are so important. When we discipline ourselves to devote time to prayer, study, worship, almsgiving, service, and Christian fellowship, God draws us out of ourselves into God’s love for the world. This naturally moves our focus from introspection to appreciation, healing us and the world around us with God’s perfect love.
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…AMEN