Stinkin' Thinkin'

"Sit, soak, and sour."  That's a phrase my pastor uses to describe some Christians.  Sounds like the way we do laundry around here.  The washer and dryer are in the basement so sometimes we put clothes in the washer then forget about them.  Ugh - they sit, they soak, they sour.  Stanky!  Stanky! Sitting, soaking, and souring leads to stinkin' thinkin'.  Then, Satan has us just where he wants us.  Chocolate won't cure it.  Shopping doesn't help either.  There's only one answer: "Finally, brothers, 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 about such things." (Philippians 4:8).  We don't live in a very positive world -- this shouldn't surprise you! To focus on the good, the pure, the
lovely requires constant focus on Christ Who does not change.  Christ is the answer; we must hold to Him tightly, securely, keeping the eyes of our soul fixed upon Him.  In His arms of love we will find all we need to keep peace and joy real in our daily living. He is what we need to avoid stinkin' thinkin'.

Dear Lord, Stinkin' thinkin' certainly describes me too much of the time.  Kindly lift me from my own despair, and set my eyes on You Who conquers and sustains.  May I rejoice in the strength and hope that is mine through You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.