The Journey Inward provides practical insights to facilitate the ability to sit still before God, using the contemplative writing of Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle as a framework.

Day Six

Philippians 4:8: “Finally, beloved, 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 these things.”

Devotional

I remember being really challenged by the idea of this passage when I was about 16 years old. I decided there and then not to fill my mind with things that are negative and not life affirming. On a practical level this meant making a clear decision to avoid watching some television shows and movies and to be discerning about what books I read. As I got older I added to this further by limiting the influence of advertising on how I used my money and how I use the internet and social media.

Take a moment to reflect:

·       What do you fill your mind with?

·        What could you change so that your thoughts are more positive and healthy?

·       Measure what you currently fill your mind with against what you know God wants for you. Is there a discrepancy between these two things? What do you need to change?

·       Prayer of faith: Ask God to show you where you need to be challenged about what you expose your mind to.

Dr Thompson’s Christ Centred Mindfulness books are available at Koorong. Additional resources are available here.