Where Are Your Thoughts Dwelling
This week, a lot of my thoughts and attention have been centered on Google and AI. Google is changing the way it gives “search information” to people and has recently started incorporating AI. For websites, especially smaller ones like mine, this could be potentially disastrous. I’ve seen several blogs that have said they have taken a huge hit in traffic loss and are going to have to shut their blogs down.
Google rolled out a new update in March, and a lot of websites lost over 70% of their traffic. Traffic equals money either through affiliate links or advertisements. I am so thankful that my website hasn’t been hit with any traffic issues, but that didn’t stop my thoughts from becoming, “What if?
I think the Lord knew I was struggling because I listened to a sermon and a faith based interview this week, and both of them had a similar message. Basically, they were asking where your thoughts were dwelling.
Philippians 4:7-9 (NASB19915)
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
There are many different Bible versions, and I usually use the NIV for the daily verses I share with you. But today, I used the New American Standard Bible 1995 because it used the term “dwell on these things.”
In his letter to the church of Philippi, Paul instructed them on how to guard their hearts and minds. He reminded them to dwell (or think—the way it is used in most versions) on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, any excellence, and worthy of praise.
My mind had not been dwelling on anything that was worthy of praise; it was dwelling on the worst-case scenarios. According to dictionary.com, here is the meaning of dwell.
DWELL, dwelt [dwelt] or dwelled, dwell·ing. to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside. to live or continue in a given condition or state: to dwell in happiness.
My home is a dwelling, and it is a place where I can escape the troubles of the world. I find peace and comfort there. I enjoy dwelling here, and it gives me lots of joy and happiness.
Anytime we are directed to do something that will fill us with joy, peace, and happiness, you can bet that the devil is trying to throw a wrench into the process. You might start out by being excited your children are coming to visit. If you aren’t careful, you might find yourself worrying about the traffic. Was there a wreck on the interstate, or did they take a wrong turn?
Before you know it, you’ve been robbed of all joy, peace, and happiness. Instead, you are worrying and fretting while watching the clock as the minutes tick away.
I have very intentionally been trying to wrangle my wayward thoughts and replace them with praise. It isn’t as hard as it sounds; you simply have to find a silver lining in the situation.
Instead of worrying about Google and AI, which I can’t do anything about, I’m turning those issues over to the Lord. I can’t fix them, but the Lord can. There are some things I can fix, so I’m working on those and doing my part. I’m praising the Lord for giving me this platform and for allowing me to meet all of you, a community of like-minded women.
I’ve set my Sunday post aside to honor the Lord. There are no links or ads running on the page. I’m not trying to monetize His day, and this is a way to show Him my appreciation. I don’t know if this is why my website is still doing well, but I like to think that it is the reason.
We can all honor the Lord by reining in our thoughts and dwelling on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, any excellence, and worthy of praise.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you for always lifting us up! I have followed you for the last few years. Your blog is always positive and inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you for reminding me to give my troubles to the Lord and rejoice in all that HE has given me.
Great reminder going to a tent revival next week in Bristol VA our pastor will be preaching
Thank you for your witness thru this blog. May God continue to bless.
Great reminder❤🙏 thank you
This spoke straight to my heart, thank you!
I think your post is excellent!
Thank you for your wonderful post today – great meaning
Isaiah 41:10 is my scripture for the week. Courage and strength comes from Him. I’m writing my testimony and know with all my heart He will give me what I need to write it. Looking forward to seeing what Gods plan is for both of us. ❤️
Yes, and yes. Dwell on the Lord, let our minds be on Him. Have a blessed day, Tania.