Whatever Is Lovely

Whatever Is Lovely

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

As we practice social distancing, as we have more time to be within ourselves, it can be a temptation to indulge in self-pity, depression and anxiety. While we should not live in denial of the situation, we need to remember John 16: 33.  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.''

While I do not have a favorite color, a favorite movie or even a favorite memory, I do have a favorite prepositional phrase.  After all, I spent more than 40 years as an English teach.  I am allowed my eccentricities.  My favorite prepositional phrase is “in spite of”.  In spite of everything that is going on, I can be of good cheer.  Not only has Jesus overcome the world, He has enabled me to be not only an overcomer, but more than a conqueror.

Romans 8: 37-39: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Therefore, in spite of the current situation, how can we keep our hearts with all diligence so that we become more than conquerors?

Philippians 4: 6-8: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.”

Think on whatever is lovely.

“Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me”

(Chris Tomlin)