What If?

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 

whatever is right, whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, 

If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, 

think on these things.” 

Philippians 4:8 

I love reading this verse. It's so positive and upbeat.

I was reading a journal entry that a friend sent me. She is an excellent writer, and when she has published her devotional, I will pass on the information. 

In her writing she talked about, “What if?”. Those nagging thoughts that can take us down a negative path.  I have a family member that said to me once when I was struggling with something, “You always go from A-Z.” 

It wasn’t meant as an insult; it was the truth. 

I’ve pondered that often. For example, when I get a negative lab result, my mind goes to cancer, suffering and death. I mean those results are a possibility, but it also could be something minor that is fixable. The worry or fret could be about something other than physical, but where do my thoughts take me? 

A recent example of the, “What if?” 

My daughter Lydia, who has Down Syndrome, has recently started having seizures. They aren’t often and thank the Lord haven’t been too serious. But it is still very frightening. 

I believe the Lord could heal her supernaturally, but as of yet, He hasn’t. So I’ve taken her to a Neurologist. He prescribed her what I consider a heavy medication.

It’s hard to watch her have side effects each day, while trying to prevent a seizure that happens once every three months. I give her the medicine twice daily. I realized that each time I measured out her medicine, my stomach was in knots, feeling like I’m poisoning my daughter. 

Then I felt as though the Lord spoke to me. Not an audible voice. But a quiet thought…

”What if this medicine is the very answer to your prayer that Lydia won’t have any more seizures?” 

Something shifted in my perspective. I stopped looking at the medicine cup like it was the enemy, and instead thought of it as an answer. 

I started thinking about why it is so easy for me to go down the negative pathway.

One thing came to mind. I was a shy/fearful child. My mom, trying to encourage me, would say, "What's the worst that can happen?” 

As a child I had a good imagination, so I could think of all sorts of horrible things.

I’m not blaming my mom - maybe that helped her face her fears. It didn’t work for me. 

But I don't think I’m the only one that struggles with their thoughts. That's why I like the verse above. It helps our minds focus on the things that are pure, lovely, excellent, etc… 

It's a struggle with all the negative things going on in the world. But keeping my mind focused on God and his goodness helps. It can help my, “What if” to be positive instead of negative. 

After all, who wouldn't want their thoughts to be lovely?

I pray for God's blessing on my thoughts, 

and yours, as I pray His blessings over you.