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Think About Good Things

Posted on 03.06.2013

“Finally, brothers, 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” (Philippians 4:8).

This is one of the greatest exhortations from the New Testament. I have been focusing on it for the past few weeks, and realized that my mind has been bombarded with negative thoughts lately, which is rather unusual. I have always been a sort of “Pollyanna” type of individual with a generally positive outlook. Even when it comes to people; I love seeing the positive aspects of people’s personalities.

Right now, I need help; I need the Holy Spirit to fill my thoughts, and line them up with God’s heart for my mind. I need some of my thoughts to be changed immediately. As I have considered the fact that I have been more negative lately, I am examining some of the possible reasons this negativity has befallen me:

Am I watching movies with negative plots? What about my consumption of television? Am I listening to the news too much?  Am I having unhealthy conversations with others? Am I spending time with too many negative people? Am I disappointed in myself and therefore projecting my inner woes outward? Am I listening to negative music?

I remember reminding kids in Sunday school of  “garbage in, garbage out.” What we allow ourselves to hear, see and be involved in can certainly influence us unless we actively push back against it.

Therefore, I will embark on a crusade to protect my mind. I continue to sit at the Lord’s feet daily and early in the morning, so my prayer life is intact. I am still in pursuit of the Lord.  In this ongoing pursuit, He has made me aware that I must keep my thoughts in check.

Lord, thank You for reminding me and exhorting me through Your Word to think about the right things! Help me to renew my mind daily and every moment with all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy! You are all of those things and more, so I‘ll continue to think about You, and ignore the evening news for a while!