One of the privileges I have being a musician on a church worship team is knowing what songs will be sung in the services ahead of time. So this past Saturday night I could hardly sleep I was so excited about a new song we were gong to play the next day. The chorus of it replayed in my head over and over all through the night and when I woke up early Sunday morning (even with loosing an hour due to Daylight Savings Time), the song was still in my head!
And I have to tell you — I’m still hearing it in my head several days later.
Have you ever heard the expression: “Garbage in, garbage out”? This means what we put in to ourselves affects that which comes out of us. I personally believe this principle involves all realms — spiritually, mentally, and physically. Negative input equals a negative output.
If we’re listening to “garbage” like negative news or unhealthy entertainment, then our thoughts, speech, and actions will reflect that “garbage.” If, however, we fill ourselves with the Word of God, positive music, teachings and influences, then we will communicate faith and life-giving responses to the situations and people around us.
Now I admit, there are times when I wake up hearing Dancing Queen in my head instead of a worship song. Nobody’s perfect. (I was a big ABBA fan and had many years of putting their songs into my mind.) But what we invest in is what we are established in.
One of the physical things I try to invest in is getting enough sleep. And what goes into my mind right before bedtime affects my sleep. As a kid I remember watching this horrific movie called Soylent Green (1973) and I didn’t sleep well for weeks after that! (What’s worse is it supposedly took place in 2022!) This made a huge impression on me (I’ve never forgotten the ending) and is probably why I don’t like movies like that!
So my dear friend, whatever we’re putting in to us is contingent to what comes out. It’s pretty simple. Put garbage in, get garbage out. Put wholesome stuff in, get wholesome stuff out. In a nutshell: input equals output.
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.