Middle and High School Montessori Education

What “Amen” do I need to say? What do I need to agree with God about?

When Mary was told by the angel that she would supernaturally give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, she agreed. She said, “So be it unto me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). The essence of this response is amen.

There are always words and voices speaking—or even yelling—at us throughout the day, both externally and internally. But there is also the quiet voice of God whispering to us, a voice we should give greater attention to.

Too often, we agree with negative and unbiblical thoughts. Today, instead, I want to choose to amen what God says.

Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good report.

If we continue reading in the next verse, we are encouraged to practice these things, and the God of peace will be with us.

Two things really stand out to me.

The first is that it is a practice, not a performance. Practice implies imperfection, and honestly, that brings me a lot of relief. It means I don’t have to get it right every single time. I can practice having right thoughts and right beliefs, and when I don’t get it right the first time, I can try again. Just like learning an instrument or playing a sport, I’m not going to start in the concert hall or the Olympics. I’m going to start right where I am.

The second thing is that the God of peace will be with me. That means I’m not alone, and that peace is part of the process. If I’m angry with myself, that doesn’t promote peace in my heart, and it’s not “amening” what God is doing.

What a relief to know that agreeing with God is filled with so many good things. It’s such a different way of thinking than the thoughts we are naturally prone to have.

God’s gentleness in leading us is depicted so beautifully in Psalm 23. He leads us beside still waters and into peaceful places.

So today, let’s follow where God is leading us and agree with what He is doing. Let our hearts respond with a simple, trusting, “Amen.”

With love and hope,

Faith