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The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about that in his letter to the Philippians.  Note that rejoicing in the Lord is so important, Paul says it twice! 

Philippians 4:4-8 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, beloved, 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. 

Have you been paying attention to the running commentary of your mind?  What did you discover?  Judgment, whether spoken out loud or not, inhibits our experience and expression of God’s grace.  To be fully embraced by God’s love is to let that love shape our hearts and minds, to turn us into agents of grace, thanksgiving, and generosity. 

Reflect

In order to disrupt the grumbles of our minds, Paul suggests replacing these thoughts with godly thoughts.  What in your life is: 

• • True? 
  • Honorable? 
  • Just? 
  • Pure? 
  • Pleasing? 
  • Commendable? 
  • Excellent? 
  • Worthy of praise? 

Write them down.  Think about them.  Let God, the great physician, mold and shape your daily attitude. 

Pray

Let us pray, 

Lord God, you have given us so much beauty for which we are thankful.  Guard our hearts and our minds with the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may experience the fullness of your grace.  We pray in the name of the one who said, “Peace be with you,” Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

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Tags: devotions, fasting, judgment, Lent