Think On These Things (Philippians 4:8)

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

(Philippians 4:8)

They say, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” Sure, but an active mind that meditates on the wrong things is just as bad. In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul wraps up his final thoughts to the believers at Philippi. He encourages them to think on these things: Things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and things that are praiseworthy.

Thousands of thoughts are said to run through the average person’s mind. Supposedly, anywhere between 6,000 – 60,000 thoughts roam in our minds in a day, and surprisingly, a high percentage of those thoughts are reported to be negative. One study suggested that upwards 85% of our thoughts are negative.

When we consider the state of mankind today, this statistic is not hard to believe. Suicide rates are high, and depression and anxiety are rampant. In some cases, chemical imbalances in the brain may be at play, but usually these things occur because of the battle within the mind. This mind battle happens to both believers and nonbelievers alike.

Elijah battled with negative thoughts when he said, “It is enough; now O LORD, take away my life” in 1 Kings 19:4. Jeremiah battled with depression when he said, “Cursed be the day I was born” in Jeremiah 20:14, and Job had the same mindset in Job 3:11 when he asked, “Why did I not die in in the womb?”

And let’s be honest. Their negative thoughts did not come from a fabricated reality.  Their negative circumstances brought about their negative thinking. Elijah was being hunted down by Jezebel. She swore to kill him. Jeremiah was being persecuted for being God’s prophet—for calling God’s people to repent. And Job lost all his children, all his possessions, his health was declining, and what’s worse, his friends thought he deserved it.

So, often bad circumstances cause our harmful thinking. Negative thinking has a way of pulling us down into the depths of despair. Harmful thoughts can operate like anchors, causing us to sink to the bottom of distress and to drown in our anguish. In that empty place full of hurt and hopelessness is where nightmares can become a reality. Nightmares like self-harm, self-destruction, and a relentless, bleak mindset.

Thoughts … negative thoughts will rule our lives if we allow it … but so can positive thoughts. Think on these things, says Paul in Philippians 4:8. Think on true things. Jesus professes in John 14:6 that he is the way, the truth, and the life. If we think on true things, we think on Jesus.

It can be incredibly difficult to think about the goodness of Jesus when we don’t think he’s being good to us. When it feels like he is allowing hard times, when it feels like he is ignoring our pleas, while watching us drown in sorrows, it can be challenging to think of him as the truth that we should meditate on.

But one thing about the truth, it remains the truth whether we believe it or not. The truth is the truth, whether we feel like acknowledging it or not. So, regardless of our circumstances, Jesus is the Truth. And we are called to meditate on him, and all the things he proclaims as true.

And when we do this, peace is promised. Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you …”  Perhaps thousands of negative thoughts threaten to take over our minds daily. But God says that if we put those thoughts on him, he’d keep us in perfect peace.

I also read in scripture that God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). So, if God promises peace if we keep our minds on him, we should, at minimum, test him. If you are a victim of your own thoughts, test God in this. See if he is truthful when he promises peace if we focus on him. I am jumping ahead in the text, but after Paul advised the Philippians to think on these things, he said, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)

If we do as Paul says, if we think on all these things, peace will follow. We are called to think on things that are true, which is God and the things of God … the amazingly beautiful things he has said and promised us in his word. If a thought arises that denies your worth, cast it down with truth. Say “I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are his works” (Psalm 139:14). Therefore, if I am his workmanship, I am marvelous. Yes, marvelously made in his image.

If thoughts of condemnation, shame, and guilt arise, declare, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). Say, “There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but walk according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). If the attacks from the enemy are overwhelming you, repeat God’s word. Say, “If God is for me, who can be against me?” (Romans 8:31)

Many negative thoughts may arise, but there are many powerful scriptures to cast them down. Any negative thought can be countered and defeated by the Word of God. Be mindful that when Satan came against Christ, Christ used the Word of God to counter him. Lies will flee from truth. Darkness will flee at light, and peace will inhabit our minds if we focus on the Lord.

Dear reader, there’s so much more I’d like to say on this subject, but I will wrap it up. Think on these things: Things that are true. Think on things that are noble or honorable, things that are worthy of respect. Think on things that are right, meaning things that produce equity and fairness to all people. Think on things that are pure, perfect, and clean in the eyesight of God.

Think on things that are lovely, that is to mediate on the delightful, beautiful, and pleasing things on earth and heaven. Perhaps think about the beauty found in God’s mountains, oceans, and animals. Maybe think about the beauty of heavenly things and beings, the beauty of His word, or the beauty found in the hearts of God’s people. Think on things that are of good report. This reminds me of the good report and the evil report documented in Numbers 13. Think on the things God said about a situation, and not what your flesh or logic says.

Think on things of virtue or excellency. The Proverbs 31 woman comes to mind. She was called virtuous because of how she operated with excellency in everything she did. So, let us think about how to be virtuous, that is, how we can be excellent daily. And lastly, meditate on praiseworthy things. There’s a lot to praise God for. If we thought about all that is good in our lives instead of all that is wrong, peace would be obtainable.

And so, think on these things. Allow God to transform your thinking by renewing your mind. I won’t dig into it here, but much of renewing our minds begins with sacrifice and surrender. Romans 12:1-2 tells us to be living sacrifices to God. Once we surrender our will for his, mind transformation can begin, and negative thoughts can be cast down in holy divine ways.

That’s all I have for you today. Think on these things. Dwell on these things. Mediate and ponder these things at a significantly higher rate than other things. And may the peace of God rest, reign, and abide in you and your life.

Be blessed, dear reader, and until next time, take care.

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Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Quintella Arrington