Praise: The Ultimate Problem-Solver
What does praise have to do with problem-solving? As it turns out, a lot, actually. We can use praise to direct our focus away from our perceived "problems" toward the One who is sovereign over our "problems", and find great relief.Neurological science teaches us that
There's a reason that Paul instructs us on how to think in Philippians 4:8:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Finding joy is the theme of this book of the Bible. It's not a depart from reality to shift your thinking to those things which honor God; on the contrary, it's the most helpful, healthful, productive thing you can do. If you are drowning in negativity, thinking about all the terrible things that are entirely out of your control, there's no possible solution to the problem.
However, by choosing to acknowledge the only One who can change things for the better, and noticing all the ways in which His beauty, creativity, and grace are at work in the world, you land in a better mental place with a mind open to positive possibilities, ready to hear God's solutions. You find joy!
Pollyanna Got a Bad Wrap
The girl who chose to look on the bright side gets a lot of criticism, but even in this fictional story, we see that she resisted the temptation to spiral downward by seeing the good, not just the bad in her surrounding situations. In this way, she guarded her own mind and became a light of hope to those around her.
The Enemy Works Against You
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He is hell-bent on stealing your joy by tempting you to focus on your problems. He knows this distraction will rob you of valuable time, wreak havoc in your relationships, and disintegrate many good things in your life.
What's the Next Right Step?
Learning a new habit is a discipline that takes time and repetition, but it's pretty simple if you're intentional. Here are some practical steps:
9 The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
10 All of your works will thank you, Lord,
and your faithful followers will praise you.
11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
they will give examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds
and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
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©2023 Julianne Knapp. First Published 1.3.23
- what we think about becomes our reality
- we have the ability to change our reality by changing our thought patterns
- by being intentional with our focus, we can develop healthier thought habits
- singing, especially in worship and praise, is a healing, whole-brain activity
There's a reason that Paul instructs us on how to think in Philippians 4:8:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Finding joy is the theme of this book of the Bible. It's not a depart from reality to shift your thinking to those things which honor God; on the contrary, it's the most helpful, healthful, productive thing you can do. If you are drowning in negativity, thinking about all the terrible things that are entirely out of your control, there's no possible solution to the problem.
However, by choosing to acknowledge the only One who can change things for the better, and noticing all the ways in which His beauty, creativity, and grace are at work in the world, you land in a better mental place with a mind open to positive possibilities, ready to hear God's solutions. You find joy!
Pollyanna Got a Bad Wrap
The girl who chose to look on the bright side gets a lot of criticism, but even in this fictional story, we see that she resisted the temptation to spiral downward by seeing the good, not just the bad in her surrounding situations. In this way, she guarded her own mind and became a light of hope to those around her.
The Enemy Works Against You
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He is hell-bent on stealing your joy by tempting you to focus on your problems. He knows this distraction will rob you of valuable time, wreak havoc in your relationships, and disintegrate many good things in your life.
What's the Next Right Step?
Learning a new habit is a discipline that takes time and repetition, but it's pretty simple if you're intentional. Here are some practical steps:
- Think about what you're thinking about
- Identify negative patterns
- Identify what you can't control, and let that go
- Identify what is within your realm of control, and take responsibility (like what you're thinking about)
- Ask God to remind you to shift your thinking every time you notice your brain taking a downward path
- Instead, remind yourself of a truth about God and expose the lie of the enemy
- Find something true, honorable, righteous, pure, lovely, excellent, beautiful, and praiseworthy to direct your attention to
- Thank and praise God for what you see
9 The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
10 All of your works will thank you, Lord,
and your faithful followers will praise you.
11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
they will give examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds
and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
©2023 Julianne Knapp. First Published 1.3.23