Day 4 - What is Your Focus?

Today's Bible Reading: Philippians 4:1-13

Devotional: The next step in battling against your toxic thoughts is to replace those thoughts with God's truth. The best place to find God's truth is in His Word.

Response by: Morgan Coil

To me, toxic thoughts sounds so harsh and makes me think of extreme scenarios, but what my toxic thoughts really consist of are "busyness" it's not that I'm constantly thinking of awful things; it's more that my mind is always thinking about what I have to do like school work, clubs, activities, work, chores, plans... etc. My issue is that I'm not taking the time to think about what deserves time:  things like the Lord and the Word. I haven't been making time for "stillness" like pastor Craig talked about in the sermon this past Sunday. 

I loved the Bible reading that went along with the devotion for today because it is a verse that I am constantly reminding myself of, "Don't fret or worry, instead of worrying pray. Let God know your concerns..." I love this because it gives me an opportunity to release and connect with the Lord--it seems like I am always worried or stressed with something whether it's big or small and I allow it to consume me... But when I read this verse it reminds me to give it to the Lord. 

My goal for the next week is: when I find myself stressed or worried, to simply just pray. These extra prayers will bring stillness into my life. My prayers could be as simple as: "Lord, I am really stressed out about __________. Please help me to not let this take over my day or week. I want that time I would usually spend worrying, to be spent with you. I want to be mindful of the moment that I have and know that I am not alone in that moment. I want rest for my soul. I want to be filled with stillness and allow you to speak to me."

Something to talk about: Why is it easier to think toxic thoughts rather than focus on the truth?  How can you find ways to be still before God and allow God to remove those thoughts from our minds?