THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS  

“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.” Philippians 4:8 

Every minute of every day, my mind is filled with thoughts. I think about things I want to accomplish, responsibilities in front of me, conversations I’ve already had, and concerns that seem to follow me from one day to the next. My thoughts can move quickly from what is happening now to what might happen tomorrow. 

But I’ve learned something important: not every thought deserves my attention.  Many thoughts simply become noise. Even good thoughts can become distractions if they pull my attention away from what the Lord is saying. I can spend my energy trying to organize my life, solve every problem, or understand every situation, yet still miss the voice of the One who matters most. 

Paul gives us a better invitation. He tells us to think about things from the Lord, and then presents a list of things from Him that we can meditate and dwell on.

The Lord does not call me to empty my mind. He calls me to fill my mind with what comes from Him. These are not thoughts created by striving or self-effort. They are thoughts discovered while walking with Him. He invites me to listen, meditate, reflect, and receive.

The things of God carry His fingerprints. They are true. They are honorable. They are just. They are pure. They are lovely. They are commendable. They are excellent and worthy of praise. 

When I spend time thinking His thoughts, I gain clarity instead of confusion. I find purpose instead of distraction. I begin to see the Kingdom work God has prepared more clearly than I could through my own understanding. 

The Israelites told Moses: “Go near and listen to everything the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey” (Deuteronomy 5:27, CSB).  

Listening always comes before obedience.  Over the next several weeks, we will slow down together and meditate on each of these qualities Paul lists in Philippians 4:8. My prayer is not simply that we think better thoughts but that we think more of His thoughts. 

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS. 

Lord, I desire to listen to You and obey Your instructions for my life. Guard my thoughts so I can focus my attention on the things You want me to think about. Help me release distractions and receive what comes from Your heart. Teach me to meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.