⁸ Finally, beloved,^[e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about^[f] these things. ⁹ Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippian 4:8-9

From the nightly (or 24 hour) news to all the other ways we are bombarded with information, there is plenty to worried about. And if we watch on social media what others have, there’s plenty to be envious about. And then there’s a way that we might just find a little joy and keep life in better perspective — counting our blessings.

It may start with where we choose to focus. Paul’s reminder to the Christians in Philippi might be a good place to start.

If there is something true in our lives (like the fact that God loves us) that’s a blessing.

If there is something honorable in our lives (like a marriage or a cherished friendship) that’s a blessing.

If there is something pleasing in our lives (like a favorite meal that we get to enjoy) that’s a blessing.

If there is anything excellent and worthy of praise in our lives (think real hard – and claim it) that’s a blessing.

And we as we count our blessings, we get a blessing as the God of peace is with us.

Prayer

Help me, God, to focus on that which connects me more with Your peace, as I realize how blessed I am to be Your child and one claimed by my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.