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!
Wonderful reminder! Yes, our thoughts matter! May the Lord continue to help us to make Jesus our focus, the Bible our guidebook and by God’s grace, we will find that our mind and strength are renewed!
Thank you for this post! It is such a wonderful reminder to enjoy each minute, trust in the Lord and not worry about the what ifs. I don’t comment on your blog too often but I love your blog and your Sunday messages especially, thank you for all you do!
I truly enjoy your blog & fashion insights! BUT my favorite part of your blog is the Sunday devotion. Thank You✝️
Those verses from Philippians are some of my favorite verses from the Bible. Our culture seems to push us toward negative and harmful thinking, but that is not what God wants us to do. Plus it is so much more pleasant to think on that which is good! Thank you for the message today!
This was my Jesus Calling devotion today . . .such a good reminder and reflection for me. I wanted to share . . . .I pray that you will continue to bless my life and so many others. Tania, you are such a bonus on so many levels and I look forward to connecting with you throug you blog every day!!! THANK YOU . . with the greatest appreciation, Vickiy
You spend too much time and mental energy thinking about trivial things—surface matters that have no value in My kingdom. . . .When you seek Me, you enjoy the company of the only perfect Person who ever existed.
Quotation Mark
from Jesus Always
page 161
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
—Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Don’t waste time thinking about trivialities. Instead, fix your thoughts on Me and receive My Peace.
Thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful reminder of what to think about.
Amen! Dwelling on what is pure and lovely, finding the silver lining, and there always is one, brings peace and joy!
Thank you for your post today.
For such a time is this—your words are perfect timing for what we are experiencing in our Country and World these days! I have to remind myself daily that God is in all and above all! When I take my eyes off of Him and His promises, I find myself becoming discouraged. Thanks for sharing from your heart each Sunday, Tania—-it truly is a blessing!
Thanks, Cathy. I try to remember that anything that is happening is still under His domain, and He is in control.
Praying your site remains safe from any hacks or anything that would be disastrous and costly to you! AI is a scary reality and your post was such a great reminder to put my trust and focus on God and dwell on Him and seek wisdom to make wise choices!
Love your blog, Tania!
What a wonderful post! It is so easy to get lost in the negative especially with all that is going on in the world today. Thanks for reminding us to focus on God and all He provides for us. Thank you for al your posys but especially for the Sunday ones.