A devotional by Regina Marcazzo-Skarka
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 (NIV)
Do you have a habit of veering toward the negative? Do you struggle with worry and stress? I know I do!
During those times when I seem to forget the incredible and immeasurable love that God has for me, I seek the help of God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and the Holy Spirit to fill my mind with positivity and to recognize the beauty and good things that surround me. I ask myself if my way of thinking is bathed in what is true, what is pure, or what is lovely then God reminds me of Philippians 4. The full chapter is an amazing example of God’s Word as a blueprint for how to live.
First, the Apostle Paul who wrote this Scripture, tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4) and lets us know that we should not be anxious about anything. He then gives us the recipe to alleviate our stress and our struggles through prayer and thankfulness. When we follow his advice, the result we receive is the “peace of God” that “transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). But he doesn’t stop there. He teaches us to be proactive, showing us how to combat those anxious thoughts and the “woe is me” mindset by practicing the advice in Philippians 4:8.
I was reminded of this verse recently as I drove by the hospital where my son spent his last two weeks on this earth. I did my usual look up to the seventh floor, but in place of my normal sense of deep sadness and flashbacks of the horrific pain he endured, I had a feeling of gratitude. I initially thought it was a weird way of thinking until the Holy Spirit reminded me of the verse on my heart (Philippians 4:8). I realized how blessed I was to have spent those days there with him in the ICU—holding his hand, praying over him and listening to his favorite Christian music. I was reminded that he is now pain free and we will be reunited in Heaven one day then spend eternity together.
While missing my son is painful, my life could be more pleasant if I remembered to follow the “peace that transcends all understanding” with a practice of meditating on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. It’s not always easy but it’s important to remember that everything we need is in God’s Word, even when life is hard.
What if we made a list of the good in our lives and trained ourselves to shift our mindset on a daily or moment by moment basis? During busy days, it’s easy to get worked up about the many things I have to juggle. But when I walk out my front door and I am met with a burst of beautiful light purple flowers, I purposely focus on the flowers and am immediately reminded of God’s amazing creation.
Where can you focus when there is too much stress or sadness in your day? What can you look at or recall that will take you away from those difficult moments and thoughts and bring you to a place of joy and peace?
Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for your love and for your Word. We praise You for guiding us through this life on Earth. Please remind us to always focus on what is true, noble, and right. We worship You and are grateful for You leading to things that are pure, lovely and admirable. Help us to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy. Let Your Word lead us to live in a way that honors to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Song of Reflection #1: “Whatever is True (Don’t Ever Stop)” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #2: “Focus on What is Good” by Beyond Rubies. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #3: “Think About These Things” by Six Seven Family. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #4: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #5: “What A Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #6: “For the Good” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #7: “How Can You Not” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #9: “Perfect Peace” by Laura Story. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Regina Marcazzo-Skarka is a writer, a journalist, and a lover of Jesus Christ, her family, church, mission trips, travel and foreign languages.
Regina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with a minor in Romance Languages from City University of New York, Hunter College; a Master’s Degree in Journalism from New York University; and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Foreign Language from SUNY Stony Brook. Regina has studied in France. Regina has also studied, lived and worked in Italy.
She taught high school French and Italian for 17 years before retiring from teaching. Prior to teaching, she worked as a journalist, both freelance and as a staff writer for local Long Island, New York weeklies. She also spent two years as a United Nations employee in the Department of Public Information. She currently writes full-time for a weekly newspaper in St. Lucie County, Florida.
Regina is currently working on proposals for two books that she is writing.
She is blessed with an awesome husband of 34 years and two children, their spouses and three treasured grandchildren.
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Connect with Regina:
Website: https://reginamarcazzoskarka.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wipeoutworry/
Email: ginamarcazzo@gmail.com
