Welcome to Redeem the Commute. I’m Ryan, your host for this daily challenge. It’s Thursday, the day we try to apply and live out what we’ve learned this week from the Bible. This week we’ve been studying how we are meant to be a people known for our peace, even in anxious circumstances.

This is a challenge sometimes. Lots of Christians are known for their negativity, criticism, defeatism and worse. They are not all known for focusing on the positive. But they are supposed to be, as Paul describes so beautifully in this week’s passage.

This verse was a big help to me years ago, when I was unable to sleep because of fears about my small business expenses outweighing the income. I turned to my Bible, found this verse, and used it to refocus my thoughts, and more importantly, my trust. I have always loved these words, not just because they’re beautifully written.

Their beauty , however, is part of why priests and Bishops continue to use them as a blessing. That seems a good way to end today, with a blessing based on these words:

The peace of God,

Which passes all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds

in the knowledge and love of God

and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Challenge: Make a list of good, positive, happy things in your life. Focus on whatever is:

• True:
• Honorable:
• Right:
• Pure:
• Lovely:
• Commendable:

Spend the rest of your commute focusing your thoughts on them, and in prayer to thank God for them. If you find your mind drifting to negative things, intentionally refocus your thoughts on the things in this week’s list. If it helps, use an object to remind you. For example, have a Bible or cross in your hands, or nearby, and whenever you drift to negativity, touch that item to remind you to bring your mind back to God as well.