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Have you ever felt like your mind is stuck in a loop of negative thoughts? What you focus on can either weigh you down or set you free! Here, Paul gives us a list of things to focus on: what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. These aren’t just nice ideas—Paul is teaching us how to fill our minds with things that lead to freedom.

When we let our minds focus on things like lies, anger, or worry— we can get trapped in stress. But when we focus on what is good and pleasing to God, we can experience true freedom—peace in our hearts.

So today, ask yourself: Is what I’m thinking about beneficial to my freedom? If not, it’s not really freeing. What trusted adult can you talk to about your thoughts?