Here is an oldie but goodie from my files on how to filter your thoughts through Paul’s list in Philippians 4:8. I just sent it to a friend facing a challenging time.
As Christians we need to remind ourselves that we don’t need to think about everything that enters our minds nor do we have to be dictated by every feeling.
Often times both our thoughts and feelings can be deceptive and even harmful to our wellbeing. Therefore, the Bible teaches that when we are facing hard times we should think on the things that can pass this test. We should only think about “true things” that are “noble” and “worthy of praise.”
For example, let’s take an extreme situation like being a Christian in Syria. Though it may be true you can be captured by Muslims and tortured for their demonic false religion; along with your children being raped and killed before your eyes. However, it is not excellent nor is it praiseworthy to think about such scenarios. Now someone might say, well what if it happens? Then even in the time of torture think about Jesus and seeing Him face to face. In other words, there is never a “good time” to focus on our fears and worries.
Another person might say (still thinking in extreme matters), are we to just live with our heads in the clouds and not face reality to prepare for danger (cancer, premature death, violence, etc.)? Absolutely not. For even in planning for the worst, we hope for the best. We think on only that which is for our good even when planning to face evil. Realistically we have to do noble things and be courageous by facing evil and this is praiseworthy. David would do this before battle. He knew he may die and that the fight would take courage, but his mind was set on noble, excellent and praiseworthy things (fighting for family, freedom, etc.)!
Therefore, in everyday life we should choose our thoughts wisely and face our hardships with faith in God, knowing all things work together for our good and nothing can separate us from His love!
Philippians 4:8, “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.”
