This week on the popular TV show, NCIS, the Gibbs character advises one of his agents to, “close your eyes and think of all the good things,” whenever he is feeling lost and alone. Although he didn’t cite chapter and verse, Gibbs was giving this sound biblical advice:

^4:8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. ⁹ You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you. Philippians (CEV)

Those of us in the real world of today would do well to take this to heart, memorizing each word, and calling it to mind as we are assaulted by the evil in our culture.

If we dwell overmuch on the horrors of each day’s news, we may succumb to despair and feel truly lost and alone. Keeping in mind those things which are true, pure, right, holy, friendly and proper helps us to strengthen our faith and hopes for tomorrow.

While the Leroy Jethro Gibbs character doesn’t quote the following, the character seems to believe it:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The days ahead may be filled with turmoil. Let’s set our hearts and minds on truth, so we may overcome.