What are you choosing to think about today? Notice the word “choosing”. We can choose what we will think about.
Philippians 4:8-9 tell us exactly what kinds of thoughts we can choose to think:
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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
This passage is powerful to pray through. Taking time to meditate on each type of thought we are to think about is insightful. I realize just how much my thoughts are stuck in what is not good or right or worthy of praise.
But when I confess those thoughts and realign my mind to the “things above” (Colossians 3:2), I feel a weight lift off my shoulders and a peace return that I might not have known was missing.
Elaine Goddard at Highway2Him has invited me to share a devotional and a peek inside my “prayer closet” this week. Visit us here to join me as I ponder God’s Word and pray in response.
To visit some of the other places online where I might be sharing this post, click here.
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So important to keep before our eyes that we can CHOOSE our thought-focus. Sometimes I actually have to talk out loud to myself to change my train of thought toward truth.
That’s such a great tip, Michele! I can imagine that’s highly effective! I’ll have to give it a try.
You are so right. When we choose to think on things above that the word tells us to, we return to a place of peace and feel a weight lift….. YAY!
Amen! Thanks for visiting, Char!
Visited you at Highway to Him! Great post! Many Thanks 8)
Thanks for stopping by, Debra!
Great post! I have written so many times on these verses. They are important verses for those who struggle with anxiety. Scheduled this to share with Tailwind. Thanks for sharing and linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Yes, Patsy, these short verses are jam-packed with writing inspiration! There are certainly treasures to be found by digging deeper in this passage!
What a grace that God invites us repeatedly to choose, to decide, to say yes or no.
We may stumble as we do so, but He’s faithful to pick us up, whispering, ‘this is the way, walk ye in it …’
Such a comforting Truth – that He is faithful to pick us up!
I think its so important to seek God’s direction in our thought life- thanks!
Yes, Danell, our thoughts affect our lives in significant ways. God tells us to love Him with all our hearts, and all our minds, too!
That whole fourth chapter to the Philippians is one of my very favorite passages of scripture. I need to read it often and God always uses it to point me to him. Thanks for linking up at #PorchStories.
I, too, love Philippians 4. It’s one of the first chapters I read from the Bible on my own, so it’s been permeating my heart for a few decades. 🙂
Neighbors at Sue’s today. Glad I ventured over. Great post.
I’m glad you stopped by, Susan. Welcome!
Everything is a choice really, even love. And it is so often said but overlooked in doing. We need to speak life over death and beauty over ashes. And think that way to, it is so easy to get down and be drained by others.
We always have a choice. And our thoughts inform our actions. So when our thoughts are loving, so will be our words and actions.
I wrote about choice this week as well! I am choosing to focus on God (definitely has the qualities of Philippians 4:8-9!!!) I find this choice so important especially when facing challenges and trials. It is so easy to get caught up in the negative, but all that will do is bring you down and stifle your ability to lift others up for Christ! I sometimes need to remind myself to look up rather than at my problems. But, when I do, God comforts, strengthens and guides! In Him I find my hope!
Blessings, Joan
Agreed. When our circumstances don’t seem positive at first glance, we can easily become consumed by doubt and other negative thoughts. It’s in those times I like to crank up some worship music to “preach” to my heart and mind. I might not feel like praising the Lord, but those life-giving words and the sacrifice of praise can be just what I need to give me the strength for the next hour.
Probably one of the top five scriptures that I meditate on! It’s so important to protect our hearts by thinking upon what is good, right, true, lovely. Thanks for the reminder that I need EVERY DAY!
I’m glad you stopped by today, Amy. Thank YOU!
That verse has been one I cling to when I begin to recognize my thoughts are not from God. It can be so powerful when we actually apply it and use it throughout our days! Enjoyed being your neighbor on #MomentsOfHope today. 🙂
Application is the key, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, neighbor!
I have discovered that when I get into a rut-that I am focusing on one thing–ME. Philippians is such a great reminder that we have the option to focus on endless POSITIVE possibilities in any situation and that the Holy Spirit enables us to do it! Not only that but the writer is telling us to imitate him as he walks that out. Another great reminder that others are watching how we walk out our faith-positively or negatively. Thanks for writing on this subject!
Sheryl, you have brought up an important observation. I’ve experienced the same – my “ruts” happen when I’m self-absorbed, self-important, trying to trust in myself. Praise God that His ways are better than mine, and His thoughts are higher than mine!
Our thinking is the battleground, isn’t it! What a great passage on which to meditate. Blessings!
Thank you, Donna, for stopping by to read today. Welcome! And God bless you.
I cherish prayer. I thank God that He has given us His Word to connect with Him and see His promises. This provides us with a plethora of things to pray and connect with Him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Glad to connect with you via #Grace&Truth. Have a wonderful weekend, and may God bless you and yours in all your endeavors.
May God bless you, too, Horace. Thanks for stopping by.
A choice–oh, yes! After reading your first paragraph, I sat here and “thought” about what I was thinking about. What choices have I made already this morning? It’s interesting when we tally them. I’m visiting today via #faithonfire and can’t wait to click over and read more. Blessings!
Kristi, it blesses me that you took the time to think about your thoughts. And I’m so glad you were encouraged enough to read more. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words!