Focusing on problems.

As granny and I talk in the car, we often talk about people that effect our lives, and how.
We are talking like this again yesterday when I make the comment "she seems to focus too much on her problems."
Granny says "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
A half smile crept over my face as I agreed.
Truth is, I often focus WAY too much on the problems and the bad. This is one of the things I am working on in my life.
I am trying to focus more on Christ, and less on everything else.

I am learning to use the Word as a tool to shape my mind. My goal is to have the mind of Christ as it says in
Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
The mind of a servant, the mind of God. Putting others first, and surrendering all unto God, even if that means facing the angry masses unto death.
I don't foresee having to face angry masses, but it ought to be something I am willing to do should God say so.
But I also have to be careful in this. It would be easy to suddenly say "Well, I have the mind of Christ now, so I can start just doing what I think is right." And the moment I say that, I know the mind of Christ is not in me.
Proverbs3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Hebrews4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Everything in my life should be decided by the Word. Every thought and action should be guided by the Word. 

The song "I give you freedom" AKA "The whippoorwill Song" states in the Chorus:

"I own the cattle on a thousand hills, I write the music for the whippoorwills, Control the planets with their rocks and rills, But give you freedom to use your own will"

In verse 3 it says "Even the oxen know the Master's stall, And sheep will recognize the shepherds call. I could demand your love-I own you twice; But only willing love it worth the price."

God gives me the freedom to focus on that which I would choose. He gives me the freedom to reject Him, and to ignore Him... But just because freedom is given to do those things, does not mean that they are the good things to do.

My theme songs in my life is "He's still workin' on me" and "Redeemed"

http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/301 -Redeemed

These are the things to focus on... God's goodness and grace. Being Redeemed, and serving Him.

Philippians 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.