Day 26 — Think About Such Things

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.”

— Philippians 4:8 (BSB)

Imagine a big, grassy field. The first time you walk across it, the grass bends a little, but you can hardly tell you were there. But if you walk the same way every day, the grass gets worn down, and soon there’s a path. The more you walk it, the deeper it gets, until it’s the easiest way to go.

Your thoughts work like that. The things you think about over and over become paths in your mind. If you keep thinking worried thoughts, worry becomes an easy path. If you keep thinking angry, jealous or unkind thoughts, those paths get deeper too.

But the good news is you can make new paths! Paul gives us a list of what to “think on,” like a filter for your mind:

• True. Not lies or rumors, but what’s real.
• Honorable. Things that are worthy of respect.
• Right. Things that are fair and good.
• Pure. Things that are clean, not dirty or shameful.
• Lovely. Things that are beautiful and bring peace.
• Admirable. Things worth talking about in a good way.
• Excellent or praiseworthy. The very best things.

You can’t always control which thoughts pop into your head. But you can choose which ones you invite to stay. Someone once said: you can’t stop birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from building a nest in your hair!

When a bad thought shows up, try running it through Paul’s filter. Is it true? Is it pure? Is it lovely? If not, don’t let it build a nest. Replace it with something better. Think about a Bible verse. Thank God for something. Remember something good God has done.

Who fits every word in Paul’s list perfectly? Jesus! He is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent. The best way to fill your mind with good things is to fill it with Him.

Think about it: What kinds of thoughts do you have most often? Do they fit Paul’s list?

Try this: Write Philippians 4:8 on a card. When a bad thought shows up today, read the card and choose one thing from the list to think about instead.

Dear God, help me fill my mind with things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. When bad thoughts come, help me not to let them stay. Fill my thoughts with You, Jesus. In Your name, Amen.