Think About These Things
How much control do you have over your thoughts?
Verse of the Day
“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.”
Today’s Devotional
Today’s verse follows the ones we looked at over the last two days. The devo for today may seem familiar, since it is a repeat from one we had in January. But it fits so perfectly with this study of our thoughts. According to 2 Peter 1:12, it is good to be reminded: “I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.” Hopefully this will be a good reminder for all of us.
Have you ever had a persistent worry or fear that you think about over and over? I hate to break it to you, but that’s meditation. It’s incredibly unhelpful, but it’s still meditation.
Meditation is a focusing of the mind on something. And by default, we often allow our brains to focus on our problems or our fears. This is why the Bible is very clear that we need to be intentional about what we think about. Which (I’m assuming) takes a lot of practice.
There is a line in a book I love that says “When we focus on the problem, the problem gets bigger. When we focus on the solution, the problem takes care of itself.” I heard in a sermon recently that “what I behold, I become”. Therefore, if I am “beholding”, or focusing on, my problems or fears or insecurities or troubling circumstances, I am not fixing anything. I am likely making it worse.
Today’s verse tells us to think about things that are wonderful. As in, we need to intentionally direct our thoughts to things that remind us of God, point us to God, and help us remember who He is and what He has done. And this is not the only verse that tells us to be intentional with our thinking.
- Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
- We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5)
- You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3)
Today’s verse, then, gives us a practical way to take our thoughts captive and to focus on not only what matters but on what will eventually set us free. Ultimately, what we allow ourselves to mentally focus on MATTERS. And if you are anything like me, my mind focuses on the mess without me even realizing it. That’s why choosing to be obedient to what the Bible tells us to do with our minds is an intentional choice of faith.
What does it look like to put this verse into action? I can only give you examples.
- What is true? It is true that God is God and I am not. It is true that God loves me exactly as I am today. It is true that God is in control of all things.
- What is noble? God sits on the throne of heaven, therefore He is noble.
- What is right? Choosing to trust God is right for me. Seeing God’s truth played out in my life and acknowledging His majesty is right.
- What is pure? God’s love for me and for every one of us is the purest thing I can fathom.
- What is lovely? The sunrise this morning was absolutely lovely. It was made by the Creator God who delights in His artistry that I get to enjoy.
- What is admirable? The way God shows me His kindness and reminds me of His love for me is incredibly admirable.
- What is excellent? The blessings I have in my life are so far beyond what I deserve. God’s blessings are excellent.
- What is praiseworthy? God is absolutely worthy of my praise. No matter what is going on, or how I feel, or what my circumstances are, God is worthy of my praise.
If what Paul says in Romans 12:2 is true, and I believe that it is, then I can be transformed spiritually and mentally by repeatedly focusing my mind on God, His ways, His works, and His love. This is a tangible practice for mental and spiritual renewal.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
How has focusing on your problems made them better?
Have you seen any benefits from redirecting your thoughts?
How can you put today’s verse and instructions into practice?
Make your own list. What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? Great, now think about those things. A lot. Like, every single day.