Brilliant

“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 NIV

We are reminded of the darker side of life all the time.  We need to recognize the reality of evil, but Paul exhorts us to not be swamped by it.  He encourages us to think about the good work that people are doing, the positive actions that governments are taking, the beauty around us, the loving people who nurture us, the compassionate people who care for the unwelcome and challenged people of the world. He wants us to think about the love that God has for us, the changes God is making in us as he transforms us.  He wants us to remember our blessings and enjoy them. We need to focus on the light so that we can dispel the darkness.

Depression and discouragement are so often the means by which Christians are kept in check. We need our daily dose of “light vitamins”.  We need to remember that this world will never be heaven, but that even as the Prince of the World tries to destroy mankind, God is lighting a path for us and blessing us in innumerable ways. We need to let the joy of the Lord well up in us so that it can be our strength. As darkness seeks to overcome us, we can be assured that the ways of the Lord are brilliant.