Renew Your MindSýnishorn

Day 16: Think About Whatever Is True

Scripture:
"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." – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Devotional:

Your mind is never blank. Every day, a steady stream of thoughts flows through your head: some encouraging, some discouraging, some true, some false. The challenge is not whether you will think but what you think about.

Paul understood this. That’s why he gave the Philippians and us a powerful blueprint for thought life in Philippians 4:8. He invites us to train our minds by focusing on things that reflect the heart of God. At the top of that list? Whatever is true.

Truth is the foundation of every other worthy thought. If your thinking isn’t true, it doesn’t matter how noble or beautiful it seems; it’s a lie that will lead you away from God.

Taking every thought captive begins with one critical question:
Is this true?

Too often, we allow untrue thoughts to set up camp in our minds:

• “I’m not good enough.”
• “God won’t come through.”
• “I’ll never change.”
• “This situation is hopeless.”

These thoughts might feel real, but they are not true, not in light of God’s Word.

If you don’t challenge them, they will define you.

So, how do you make the shift? How do you begin to think about whatever is true?

1. Test Your Thoughts

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:5 say we must “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” That means we don’t just accept every thought as fact. We interrogate it. We compare it with Scripture. We ask God to shine His light on it.

• Is this thought in line with God’s Word?
• Does it reflect what Jesus says about me?
• Does it lead me toward hope or despair?

When you test your thoughts, you uncover which are grounded in truth and rooted in fear, shame, pride, or lies.

2. Replace Lies with Scripture

The enemy loves to whisper half-truths and distortions. He did it to Eve in the garden and Jesus in the wilderness. He still does it today. The only effective weapon against his lies is the truth of God’s Word.

If you believe, “I’m not loved,” remind yourself of Romans 8:39 (NIRV):
"Nothing at all can ever separate us from God’s love.“

If you think, “I’ll never change,” declare 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come."

Don’t just silence the lies. Replace them with truth. Speak it. Write it. Memorize it. Let the Word rewire your thinking.

3. Set Your Mind Intentionally

You can’t always control what thoughts appear, but you can control what you dwell on. Philippians 4:8 isn’t passive; it’s an instruction. “Think about such things” is a command. It’s an invitation to choose your mental focus.

Thinking about what is true doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention and attention. It means training your mind, like an athlete trains their body, to default to truth instead of fear or negativity.

You feed your thoughts by what you consume, watch, listen to, read, and engage with. So, surround yourself with truth. Saturate your day with Scripture. Listen to worship that aligns your heart with God’s. Spend time with people who speak the truth in love.

When you focus on what is true, you live in peace. Your mind becomes less reactive and more grounded. And your thoughts, aligned with Christ, lead to actions and attitudes that honor Him.

Prayer:
Lord, I want to think about what is true. Too often, I let lies and fears take over my thoughts. Teach me to test every thought and hold it up to the light of your Word. Help me replace every lie with truth to train my mind to dwell on what is real, noble, and good. Fill my heart with your truth so my mind can rest in you. It is in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.