It’s easy to be distracted by the negative things
For some reason our flesh likes those ‘gossip rings’
Sometimes instead of drawing the darkness to the light
Instead the light loses its luster and thinks it’s all right
But how much brighter things would be
If we would focus our thoughts on the foundation of positivity
If we would fuel our light daily and not just once a week
If we reflected our Lord and Savior whenever we would speak
For if we feed our heart with the pure love of Christ
And take on His positive characteristics slice by slice
Then we, too, would be full of the fruit of the spirit
And would walk confidently and courageously fearless
Every song we listen to, every conversation we have
Every movie or show we watch with or without pizazz
Every limiting belief or externally verbalized put down
All of it affects our spirit and whether we smile or frown
So, if we consume only the things that are positive and good
All will be peachy and perfect – don’t believe that falsehood
Focusing on the encouraging is sometimes a chore
However, the more we work on it, the more our light will soar
Have you ever taken a day and focused on one scripture verse?
One that you’ve meditated on, learned, and even rehearsed?
When I’ve done this, I have found that no matter what comes
That scripture reminds me that I choose the happy beat of my drums
This scripture infuses all that is true, holy, and just
And allows the darkness and the dismay to begin to turn to rust
When I recite and think on the words this particular verse has
Despite how the blues try to come in, it gets overwritten with upbeat jazz
Try it, I dare you to intentionally reset your thoughts
Try it, I challenge you to deliberately diffuse the damaging shots
Refute them, rebuke them, and declare all that is worthy of praise
And watch, just watch how you automatically have happier days
Whether you choose a scripture, a song, a poem or even a phrase
Be intentional and purposeful with the words on which you fix your gaze
Be prepared in advance for the darkness will certainly try you
But you are already victorious, for God’s example has provided a perfect view
If it doesn’t add value to you, then why waste your time?
For if you’re not learning, growing, or evolving, really it is a crime
Laughter, cheer, and joy also count, so it doesn’t always have to be rigorous
Something must balance the work, and it might as well be happy and humorous
What is it that is consuming you and what will you change?
What will become your calculated focus, what thoughts will you rearrange?
How will you prepare for the battle, with a hope, or with a thought-out plan?
How will you approach what is consuming you; in defeat or by taking a stand
From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. ~Philippians 4:8 (CEB)