Think on these things

This week's quote is:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

"Mom, do you remember that big hill on the dead end road near our house in New York?" my daughter asked as we discussed the new bicycle she planned to purchase. "We used to walk our bikes over to that hill and ride down as fast as we could to see how far up the other side we could go without pedaling."

"Good thing I didn't know about this back then!" I laughed as she began her story.
"Well, one time, I went downhill so fast my front tire started wobbling. I knew I had to do something quick before I wiped out. That would have been bad - really bad. I had to put on the brakes lightly and barely made it down the hill."

Oh to be young again, LOL! Thought I would be terrified to ride a real bike down such a steep hill now, the truth is, I do it emotionally each time the Lord opens a new door for me.

"I can't do this," is usually my first thought as I go careening down the slippery slope of fear. Oh I know the Bible tells me "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." His word reaffirms, "I will never leave you or forsake you." But the old negative thought wheels start to turn faster and start to wobble, threatening to turn me into a roadside splatter painting.

This verse is one of many that helps me put the brakes on the fear I often feel. I have to consciously stop and examine my thoughts, measuring them against this Scriptural yard stick. When I stop the forward motion or my runaway thoughts, things come back into perspective and I find I CAN do what He's asking me to do.

I can trust. I can accomplish all He gives me to do. I can be the woman of God He calls me to be... and the list goes on. I can safely navigate the slippery slope of fear rather than wiping out on the side of the road somewhere when I guard my thoughts and keep them focused on Him.