I Can’t Find It
By Jill Beran
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8
“Mom, I can’t find my shoes. Do you know where my ball glove is? Did someone take my coat?”
There are times when my kids can’t find things, but one child in particular is prone to lose stuff. At times, rather than take responsibility herself, I have found her blaming someone else. As I addressed this behavior and tried to teach my daughter, God also had a lesson for me.
There are times I forget who I am in Christ… times you might say I lose my identity. Some of these instances are the work of the enemy, the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. But there are also times when the loss is a result of my lack of responsibility.
It’s true, I can’t put my identity on the shelf or hang it in the closet like my daughter can with her things. Identity is more of an internal thing, something we understand in our heart and mind, so you may wonder, how can I possibly lose it?
God used Philippians 4:8 for today to help me answer that question. I often lose my identity when my thoughts run wild. I let doubt take over and I listen to lies. I can think – I’m not good enough – nobody cares – I really don’t matter. Clearly these are lies Satan wants me to believe, but they are thoughts God wants us to avoid.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul clearly tells us what we are to think about – what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Thoughts that tell us we’ll never measure up, or can’t possibly be loved by God, are contrary to this Scripture.
When my daughter fails to take responsibility, she loses her stuff. Friend, in the same way when we don’t discipline our minds, we’ll forget who we are in Christ. The days are difficult when my little girl can’t find her things and our life will not be easy when we lose our identity!
Write out Philippians 4:8 and carry it with you. When doubts or thoughts enter your mind, measure them against these words from Paul. Is what you are thinking true? Is it noble? Is it pure? And on and on. If the answer is “No,” take that thought captive and replace it with Truth!
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, thank You for making me who I am and giving me the ability to think. I ask for Your help in thinking thoughts that are right, pure and lovely. Help me recognize when my thoughts are wrong and give me wisdom to replace them with truth and promises from You. Lord, I don’t want to be lazy, irresponsible or forgetful, so help me discipline my mind so that I can be who You made me to be! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For more encouragement, visit Jill at titus24u.blogspot.com.
© 2020 by Jill Beran. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Thursday, 24 September 2020.
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