This Day in History: 0000-03-08
March 8 – Philippians 4:8-9
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Is there something weighing you down? Some negative thought you can’t seem to clear out of your head, no matter how hard you try? There have been many days when I, for one, have felt triggered beyond all hope. Many days when I’ve found myself consumed by worry or fear or anger or bitterness. I’m sure there will be many more. But none of us has to fall victim to this sort of thinking. None of us has to allow negativity to rob us of joy and peace. God has gifted us the solution to our destructive obsessions right here in these verses. We must refocus our thoughts onto things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
Unfortunately, it’s often easier said than done.
Let’s examine some practical steps we can take today to “think about such things.”
Lies and distortions are the greatest weapon the enemy will use against us. Nothing has changed since the very beginning; when Eve, God’s first dearly loved daughter, believed the serpent’s deception. Lies may be Satan’s weapon of choice, but we have a much more powerful weapon at our disposal. A weapon that will demolish his perversions. It is Truth. The Sword of the Spirit. The Bible. Let’s ask ourselves right now, do the thoughts consuming me today line up with Scripture, or am I believing a lie? Let’s lift our sword, open our Bibles, and find a verse to memorize or meditate upon. Let’s think about what is true.
There are so many things we allow into our lives that are not technically wrong. Not to mention all the things we allow in that are, without question, a compromise. But let’s choose a new standard today. Rather than watching that show that is pretty much clean, but that subtly undermines the principles of scripture, let’s choose something noble instead. Let’s listen to some Christian music or a Christian podcast. Rather than continuing that really interesting conversation with a co-worker about all the latest gossip, let’s instead choose what is right. What is pure. Let’s use our words to build others up. As we walk in obedience and begin to fill our minds with what is noble and what is right and what is pure, we will find our minds transformed!
What can we find to focus on today that is lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? Perhaps there is something you can do for someone else that will make him feel loved. Spend time thinking about that and planning it out. Is there someone in your life who you admire? Someone who inspires you to be more like God every time you’re with her? Plan some time to spend with her and soak in her wisdom. Is there something you could do that would make you feel better? A new habit that you could start putting into practice that would be an excellent way to make your life more pleasant? Maybe a more healthy diet, or regular exercise? Maybe spending time every day in the Word of God or in prayer? Start now. Is there a place you can go that takes your breath away? A beautiful walking path through a local park, or a drive through the country that will remind you of your Creator and cause your heart to burst in praise of His majesty? Do it, take that walk or that drive and sing praises to God all along the way!
Finally, let’s study the Bible and put into practice the things we learn through those inspired words. As we are faithful to obey, the God of peace has promised to be with us. He will renew our minds and change our troubled thoughts. We are His, and His peace is within reach as we think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.