Think Upon Such Things--"Whatever!"

"Untarnished" 36x36, 2012

"Think Upon...Whatever!" 

I remember when I was in college and a common "go to" response that kids made to most anything  was, "Whatever."  It was usually intended as a somewhat rude comment, as if to say, "say what you want, do what you want, I don't really care about it."  But that word has a different meaning for me.  See, as one who is needing to continually renew my mind and set it on truth, I have a favorite verse that has put a positive slant on that word.  There is T-shirt I have seen that brings this idea to life.  The front of the shirt has that popular one-word phrase, "Whatever."  On the back of the shirt were the words that that transformed it:
   
"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 upon such things" Philippians 4:8

These are the (God-inspired) words of Paul, telling us to choose what we allow our minds to be filled with. In this fourth chapter in Philippians, Paul is instructing how to conduct ourselves.  He begins the chapter advising to rejoice in the Lord, to let your gentleness be evident to all, to remember that the Lord is near, and to pray in all situations. Then he writes that "whatever" verse. The amazing part is what happens when we choose to do these things!  Don't miss this. Here is what is says:

    "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (vs. 7)

I don't know about you, but I want this peace!  That peace of God which is beyond understanding. So...when difficulties come my way, when discouraging thoughts flood my mind, when I am overcome by worry or fear,  I can renew my mind.  With the Lord's help, I can choose to think upon these things:  the true, the noble, the right and pure; the lovely, the admirable, all that is excellent and praiseworthy.  My response?   

"Whatever!" 

"Whatever...is Lovely"  40x40, oil on canvas, 2013