Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
What’s been on your mind lately? I bet I can guess. There are work and money concerns. Relationship issues that don’t ever change. It’s hard not to think about such things. Then there are the daydreams you have in order to escape the reality of life. Reliving your glory days or imaging that dream vacation. It’s hard not to think about such things. Then there are the thoughts that you don’t want me or anyone else to know about. You’d be too ashamed! The lust. The greed. It’s hard not to think about such things.
God knows. God knows every thought that passes through our minds. So he urges us: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Do you think about such things?
In my life, I notice how often and how easily my thoughts spiral down to the worst places. One little disappointment can set my mind racing. Maybe it’s an insult from someone else. Maybe it’s a rude gesture on the road. Then the spiral starts. My mind begins to see everything negatively. To take people’s words out of context. To assume the worst out of everybody. To doubt whether God loves me.
All because of one little insult or one little disappointment. Thoughts are powerful. Thoughts matter.
That’s why we need God’s Word to fill us with good things. This little book of Philippians is filled with them. Like, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (3:8). Like, “our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (3:20). Like, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4). Like, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (4:6). Like, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:8).
So, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things!”
Dear heavenly Father, don’t let my mind spiral into negativity today. Fill me with what is right and true, and help me think about what is excellent and praiseworthy today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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