Clear Blue Skies – letting go of negative thoughts

As the little girl sat on the swing during recess, she observed her fellow classmates playing together. She was wondering why they outcast her. All she did was say, "No," when they challenged her to say a bad word. After they asked her why not, she told them because she believed in Jesus. That was when they laughed and said they wouldn't play with her anymore. Was she really that different? With the kids laughter echoing in her mind, the sadness flooded her little eyes with tears. She began to swing her petite legs back and forth. When she pumped the swing higher and higher, she caught a glimpse of the clear blue sky above the playground. It was so beautiful. The more she looked up, the less she saw of the kids on the playground. She was reminded that God made the sky and He made her too. He loved her and was proud of her for obeying Him. As the peace filled her soul, her tears began to dry up. Even though she was alone, friendless, and different, she was captured by the true loveliness of God. Every recess from then on, she would swing on that swing and be comforted by the peaceful sky and the God who created it. 

Have you found yourself dwelling on negative thoughts when you are faced with adversity? Are cloudy skies all you see?

Philippians 4:8-9 says, "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable —if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (HCSB)."  

These verses are preceded with the command not to worry about anything but to pray and God will give you incomprehensible peace to protect your mind (Philippians 4:6-7). If you struggle with finding the positive, look up to the Creator who made the beautiful sky and pray. He will show you what is true; honorable; just; pure; lovely; commendable; excellent; and praise worthy. In verse 9, it says to do what you have learned, received, heard, and seen in God. Therefore, it also helps to think back on a time when God has brought you through in the past.
♥What did you learn about God?
♥What blessings did you receive from Him?
♥What did you hear from God?
♥ What did you see God do?
The word "do" in the beginning of this verse means: to practice. It's not natural to think on truth. It's much easier to be captured by the negative thoughts. Letting go of the negative and practicing thinking on truth will push away the clouds in view of clear blue skies – it takes practice.

As I think back on that little girl, I am aware of the fact that if I had not gone through that hard time so young, I would not have been prepared for what was to come in the future. As an adult, I have more complicated life interferences but with the same choice to look up and think on truth. Looking up toward God is one of the most valuable lessons I have learned. Thinking on truth allows me to see God, and dwell on His goodness despite the injustices this world brings.

"Heavenly Father, you are good. I let go of my negative thoughts to you. Help me think on your truth that sets me free and gives me peace."





© Carol Outhous Jones 2014