Good Thoughts

Phillipians 4:8  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. 

Now being a Denver Broncos fan definitely has its ups and downs. There are those 
moments of glory when John Elway led the team to two Super Bowls. Specific plays and 
drives stand out as moments to remember forever, while others I've tried to just forget. 
For a few years prior to them finally winning the Super Bowl, they did actually make it 
there, but each of these times they were increasingly humiliated, the final time setting all 
kinds of records for the opposite team. I found myself almost hoping they would never 
get there again, just for fear of how badly they might lose the next time. 

I have also found, though, that my mental and emotional survival as a Broncos fan has 
much to do with dwelling on the successful moments and putting those embarrassing 
defeats far from my mind. It was such a relief when they finally did provide a little more 
of the good things to remember. With those moments of glory there will always be 
something to look back on with pride and a sense of gladness and joy. When it comes to 
being a fan I gladly gravitate to the good moments/the good thoughts to find any 
fulfillment at all. It's just not fun, and it hurts so much to think about the embarrassments 
and defeats.

I've often wondered how tough it really must be to have grown up in an area where the 
local team just couldn't ever get it together- year after year on the small side of .500. It 
must be so difficult to keep cheering and pulling for something that seems to be 
impossible- them ever winning the championship. You could definitely understand a 
person like that constantly in a depressed and downtrodden state. With nothing positive to 
dwell on with regard to their team, they must somehow be finding little glimmers of hope 
in certain players, coaches and strategies. But, again, they never really get the choice of 
the good things to think about. 

In Christ we've been born into a city that has a winning tradition in all of its sports. 
Against its opponents in every division there have been major championships won and 
victories secured. There really is no lack for moments of glory and triumph to think 
about, and, no matter the apparent present circumstances, there is an identity with an 
organization that assures an ultimate and inevitable final victory. Considering the great 
victory that has already been won for us by our Champion, there is no excuse for 
anything other than a lifted and joyful spirit and countenance. For some that have yet to 
discover His provision of life this is not true, and a downtrodden and depressed 
appearance is most understandable. For them even the little victories and apparent 
successes have a hovering cloud of discouragement and ominous impending doom. Even 
if they make it to the final game, there will be a crushing and destructive blow that will 
not be avoided. Their thoughts may grasp on to the glimmers of light, but they will never 
have the resource of uplifting thought choices we've been given in Christ. 

It is therefore a bit difficult to understand the downtrodden and defeated appearance of 
one that's been born into Him. This is what seemed to bring the greatest frustration to the 
heart of the Father and Jesus himself- the inability of his very own cherished ones to 
identify with His dominance and power, to dwell on the magnitude of His victories over 
the insignificant advances of the doomed foe. With an unending list of good things that 
He's provided for us to think on, why would we even want to dwell on those defeats and 
failures. Dwelling on unpleasant circumstances and difficult times is so painful compared 
to the encouragement, joy and strength that is always accessible in the available thoughts 
on His moments of glory. Yet the choice will always be ours to make- the joyous 
celebration of a victorious team, where brightness can be the focus no matter how dark 
the night, or a constant search for a shadow in the brightness of the day He's made for us. 

May our thoughts this day be upon those times written and experienced, where our 
Redeemer's triumph has overwhelmed our enemies, and may our thoughts find a resulting 
peace and sense of confidence in His influence over the present circumstance, no matter 
how difficult they may appear. Where worry and anxiety could bind the thoughts of 
tomorrow in a choke hold, may the choice be made to escape into a place of hope where a 
vision of our Savior's provision, direction and strength brings release from any possibility 
of ultimate defeat. Why feel the pain, when healing, restoration and joy are the 
alternative. Think on the good things. 

12/23/06