Whatever You Think
Whatsoever series
Philippians 4:8 says “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Whatever you think? Rejoice, hope, pray.
“Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.”
~ Psalm 66:1-2 (NIV)
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV)
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
~ Ephesians 1:17-19a (NIV)
Your student’s college journey is in many respects also your family’s journey. To do it together is satisfying, hard, and worth it! The most meaningful resource I can give you is one you have in the Lord already – prayer. Be an intentional partner in prayer for your student during this season of your family’s life. Spend time in prayer with the Lord. His gentle, strong Spirit will strengthen you, and because of His strength, you can be the cheering, supportive prayer partner that your family may depend on and have confidence in. Your student’s success will be greatly impacted by your positive, hopeful attitude!
Sometimes being a parent isn’t as easy as we wish it could be. Both personal experiences and the LU Family experiences that I have come alongside through the years show me that parenting is usually more mentally demanding, more heart-wrenching, more tear-filled, and more expensive than any of us imagine we can survive. I rejoice for all the ways that God continues to fill each one of those little “buckets” of parenting as LU families ask for His wisdom, courage, peace, and provision. Seeking His help comes with a spirit of humility and for me that’s been mostly framed by the Whatsoever exhortation found in Philippians 4:4-9.
Most especially, 4:8 grounds our thoughts in godly soil that our souls and hearts will flourish in, so that our mouths will give fruitful words. Pray Philippians 4:8 for your student this month. Add to it, the companion verses from Psalms, 1 Thessalonians, and Ephesians as promises of blessing and faith.
Your prayers can be one of the greatest supports that your student could ask for as they follow God’s call to be the adults that He equips them to be.
There will be challenges. Trust in the Lord to be faithful. Your family will rise with Him. May the Spirit of the Lord intercede for you as God’s Word describes Him when you don’t feel you have the words or details to pray. May your family be in the sweetest place you could ever be – in the center of God’s will.
As Apostle Paul says, think on these things.
Meet the Author
Tamatha Anthony
Assistant Director
