“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” Phil. 4:8.
Our text almost sounds too simple. “Just think about good things!” But there are a few things to consider here. The first is that the human brain can only focus on limited pieces of information at once. The exact number is up for debate—some sources say three or four, some say seven, some say 12—but the point is, it’s not infinite. That means it’s possible to “push out” wrong thoughts we don’t want by flooding them out with good thoughts that we want. True thoughts. Noble thoughts. Just thoughts. Pure and lovely thoughts. Thoughts about virtuous, praiseworthy things of good report, can force out wrong thoughts from your mind and your life.
If you actively focus on enough pure and noble thoughts, your mind won’t have the capacity to dwell on the thoughts that are wrong. The other thing to consider is a specific word Paul used: “Meditate.” He didn’t say “think about it.” he didn’t say “casually entertain it.” but he said Meditate. To meditate is to think deeply, focus intently. To do it consistently and regularly until it permeates your mind and forces out unwanted thoughts — so dig deeper in meditation on God’s word, if you want God’s thoughts.
Why should you take control of your thoughts? Because your thoughts determine your preoccupations. Your preoccupation determines your reality. Your reality determines your battles. Some battles are unnecessary, change your thoughts and stop the battle. What you let into your mind—the thoughts you give a home to in your mind will shape who you are. The scriptures says “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” 2 Cor. 10:4-6. We are at war against Satan, who would love nothing more than to derail God’s plan for your life. One of the ways he tries to do that is by offering you unhealthy things to think about—to be obsessed over—you must deal with him by putting out his thoughts.
FURTHER READING:
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke. 16:15.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa. 55:7.
DECLARATION: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for another day, I anticipate the good things You have prepared for me today. I anticipate pure and sound things, Lord I ask that you bring complete order to my life as I seek You first and make Your will my priority. I rejoice in the new day You have given me. I praise You for making it fruitful and productive. Thank You for teaching me ways to increase my effectiveness— to work smarter and produce better results in Jesus mighty name amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jer. 42:1-22. Jer. 43:1-13. Jer. 44:1-30. Jer. 45:1-05.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Your Thoughts Determine Your War. If You Don’t Want It Don’t Think About It.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria. http://www.thefortresschurch.com. email: info@thefortresschirch.com.
