Philippians 4:8
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.

The verses prior to this read like a playbook for the life lived in Christ. Rejoice always; let your gentleness be known; do not worry, rather, pray and give thanks to God. And then comes this verse. 

Paul reminds us to dwell on the highest things: truth and honor, justice, purity, those things that are worthy of speech and excellent. Just consider how different our lives can be if we put this into practice. 

Too often we let our own fears get in the way, and rather than considering the best outcome, we focus on the worst and inevitably, get in the way of what God’s design for us truly is. And if we cannot dwell on what is worthy, how can we expect that others will view us favorably?

This Lenten season, make it a practice to find the good and praiseworthy each day. You will find that there is heaven all around.

Prayer

O God, as your beloved children, grant us 
Insight to see what is good and worthy all around 
us. Help us to put away our fears and worries, so 
that we will be known by our gentleness and love. 
In Your Holy Name We Pray

Amen.