Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil. 4:8)
What we think about is important. Ruminating on negative things simply isn’t healthy for the believer, or for anyone for that matter. God lovingly created us and he knows this. He speaks to us through Paul’s words to the Philippians and encourages us to engage our minds in a healthy manner – to focus on excellent and praiseworthy things.
Even as a small child I had a tendency to fret and allow negative thoughts to control my mind. As a result, there were many times when I would lie in bed at night unable to sleep. I remember my mom and dad lovingly encouraging me with these verses as a little girl. Today as I read them, I am reminded of their truth and I am yet again encouraged!
You might be thinking that these kinds of thoughts are nice and fine for when things are going well in our lives. That isn’t the case at all though. These are the things we need to meditate on most when things are difficult. I know this may be a hard truth. You are not alone. We all go through “storms” in life. Right now I am imperfectly resting in God and trying to allow him to inform my thoughts even in the midst of my own small “storm”. If you too are struggling, let’s trust God.
Our minds are to be filled with things that are true… honorable…. just… pure… lovely… commendable. These all reflect the character of our God! God’s word is truth (John 17:17, Prov. 30:5). God is worthy of all honor (Rev. 4:11, 15:12&13, 7:12). The work of God’s hands is just (Ps. 111:7, Rev. 15:3, 16:5&7, 19:2). God’s words are pure (Ps. 12:6). The dwelling place of God is lovely, because he is there (Ps. 84:1). God is most commendable, all-deserving of praise (Ps. 65:1, 66:1).
If like me you struggle focusing your minds on these kinds of things, I encourage you to make a list of things that would fall under each of these words using scripture. Maybe defining each of the words first would be helpful. And then pray that God would help you focus on these kinds of things. I am going to and I would love to hear from you if you decide to too! We can encourage one another :).
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