MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS

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

What you think about in your unguarded moments reflects what your mind dwells upon. In addition, what you speak about when your guard is down is a good gauge of what is in your heart (Matthew 12:34). Your mind needs exercise just as your physical body does. If you want to keep your body healthy, then you must be careful what you put into it, and you must exercise regularly. In order to keep your thoughts pure, you must guard what goes into your mind. You must exercise your mind, and you can when you meditate on these – thoughts that are noble, and truths that stretch your mind.

The things you meditate on, the things you allows your mind to dwell on – these things will be revealed by the way you live.

Negative Thinking:

• Allowing the world to fill your mind with ungodly thinking
• Concentrating on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything
• Dwelling on trivial pursuits
• Failing to intentionally place Scripture in their thoughts, choosing instead to adopt human reasoning

Positive Thinking:

• Exposing your mind to the truths of God – that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and good
• Filling your mind with thoughts of Christ, and thus becoming more Christlike
• Concentrating on the magnificent truths of God, which will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God.

What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. As you pray today, take a few moments to consider the choices your are making. If you are filling your mind with negative thinking, then ask God for His guidance in re-directing your thoughts. Look to the Scripture, and meditate on these things. If you are already on the path of positive thinking, then praise God for giving you His Holy Word which strengthens you every day. Amen.

Source:
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry March 4.

Additional Reading:
Spiritual Optimism
Choose To Rejoice
Prepare Your Mind