Unboxed: AnchoredSample

We’ve talked about how other people have the power to influence you. But did you know that the things you think about have a great influence on you, too? In our Scripture today, Paul is encouraging a church in a letter. He’s telling them to be joyful. He’s suggesting that while dwelling on your worries will make you fearful, bringing them to God in prayer will bring you peace. This takes practice. It requires thinking about good, true, beautiful, excellent things. This could be reading Scripture to see God’s character, listening to music that turns your thoughts toward worship, or even having a conversation with a godly mentor or friend. With time, that reflection will shape what you think about, and your thinking will gradually shape you.

Reflection Questions:

• Philippians 4:8 says to set your mind on “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.” Why is it so important that we do that?
• Where in your life are you struggling to be full of joy? What might change – even if only a little at a time – if you set your mind on the right things?