Think on these things

Do you have problems with worry and negative thoughts? In this day and age it a bit hard not to have some worry and anxiety. Well Philippians 4:8 basically says don’t worry. If you are worried, through this scripture Paul gives you a list of topics to think about.

…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 54:8 (KJV)

This is actually one of my favorite scriptures. I first learned this scripture in vacation bible school. In the program we put on for the closing, my class presented this scripture. As we recited it, we held up big cards with the bolded words above on them. Mine was VIRTUE.

It is also about taking control of our thoughts and bringing them in line with the Word of God. The Word is True, Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely, a Good Report, Virtuous, and full of Praise of the Father. Selah (Pause and really contemplate that.)

Another verse along these lines is 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV):

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Our Heavenly Father said through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 55:9 that his thoughts are better our thoughts:

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

And in Proverbs 14:12 we are reminded that our ideas of how we ought to do things is not the correct path to follow.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Remember that when Yeshua (Jesus) was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, he responded with scripture and told him to get out of his sight – “get thee behind me Satan!”

We need to practice being more like our Messiah, and taking control of our thoughts and words.

Don’t let the devil get a foothold or take up residence in your mind. When a negative thought (worry, anxiety, anger, blame, accusations) rears its ugly head, don’t even finish the thought. Change your thinking direction to what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, admirable, virtuous, and praise worthy. Remember the admonition in Ephesians 4:27 (Amplified Bible):

And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Your Turn

Check out Philippians 4:8 in BibleHub – at the link below. It has the Greek definitions of each word and the scripture in several translations which helps shed more light on this verse to help us understand what kind of thoughts we need to cultivate. https://biblehub.com/parallel/philippians/4-8.htm

What thoughts, imaginings, self-talk, verbal habits do to you have that you need to get rid of, throw down, put behind you, and move forward with Yeshua (Jesus)?

You can mention in the comments, or just add to your own prayer time and ask our Heavenly Father to help, guide and remind you to think and speak differently – according to His Word. Amen!

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Check out the Daily Devotional on Philippians 4:8. Start with Whatsoever things are TRUE