XLV.
LIVING AFFIRMATIVELY
(4/29)
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. (Philippians 4:8)
These days, I am limiting my news intake. Not because I am in denial, but because in a time of conflict, I believe that bad news can be addictive. Like passersby on the freeway, we don’t want to look at the crash, but we crane our heads, creating a traffic jam. Right now, our minds are jammed with negativity from cable news and politicians. Facts and truth matter and we need to listen to responsible leaders and scientists and not befuddled by prevarications and conspiracy theories.
We also need to feed our minds with good news. Not as denial but to place negativity in perspective. Our ability to be anxious depends on the enduring positive realities of life, the stable realities and sacrifices upon which our survival depends: the earth spins in its orbit, the sun rose this morning, we had sufficient food, and because of the efforts of essential workers and effective politicians. When we give thanks, we discover the beauty of the earth and the goodness of God.
Philippians is filled with affirmative faith. Think of these affirmations from Philippians and scripture:
+ The good work God has begun in us, God will bring to fulfillment – a harvest of righteousness.
+ I have the mind of Christ.
+ I shine like a star in the heavens.
+ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
+ God will supply my deepest need.
+ I am the light of the world.
+ I bear God’s image.
+ The moral arc of history flows in and through me.
What affirmations strengthen your spirit? Let them be guideposts for your journey ahead, motivating you to service and compassion, and trust in God’s vision for our lives and the world.
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Let me dwell on beauty, let me dwell on love, let me dwell on the positive. Let me recognize the threats and my anxiety but let me know the greater of love God that I might have and share the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC and GOD ONLINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET
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