Renew Your MindSýnishorn

Day 23: Think on These Things

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:

Our minds are like soil; whatever you plant will eventually grow. We harvest peace by sowing seeds of truth, beauty, and goodness. But if we continually feed our thoughts with fear, lies, or impurity, we’ll experience the fruit of that, too: anxiety, anger, shame, and hopelessness. That’s why Paul gives us a filter for our thinking in Philippians 4:8. He’s not just calling us to avoid bad thoughts; he’s inviting us to think intentionally about things that bring life.

This thought process is not passive. It's not about hoping good thoughts happen to pop up. Daily discipline directs your focus toward what aligns with God’s character and His truth.

Let’s look at each part of this verse and ask: What thoughts should we cultivate?

1. Whatever Is True

Truth is the foundation. In a world full of half-truths and subtle deception, it’s easy for your mind to fixate on what’s false, like the lie that you're not good enough or that God has abandoned you. But God’s Word is truth. When thoughts arise, ask: Is this true? Does it align with God’s promises?

You can take thoughts captive by evaluating their truthfulness. For example, if you think, “I’ll never get through this,” ask, “Is that true according to God?” The truth is, God is your refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), and that’s what you set your mind on.

2. Whatever Is Noble

Noble thoughts lift your eyes higher. They are honorable, respectful, and not cheap or degrading. Are your thoughts drawing you toward what is eternal and dignified, or are they dragging you through the mud of gossip, criticism, or cynicism?

Thinking noble thoughts doesn’t mean ignoring the complex realities of life. It means you refuse to let your mind get stuck in the trivial or toxic. You think like someone who belongs to a heavenly kingdom, not just an earthly one.

3. Whatever Is Right

We need to fixate on righteous things. Right thoughts align with God’s moral standards. When you fill your mind with what is right, you see your circumstances and others through God’s eyes. You become a person of conviction, not compromise.

Ask yourself: Do my thoughts reflect God’s standards or the world’s? Are they just and fair, or selfish and vengeful?

4. Whatever Is Pure

Purity begins in the heart and is reflected in the mind. Impure thoughts, whether sexual, violent, or vengeful, cloud your soul and pull you away from intimacy with God. Purity clears the lens so you can see Him.

We don’t achieve purity by simply avoiding sin; we do it by filling ourselves with what is holy. The more you meditate on God’s holiness, the more your heart will long to be like Him.

5. Whatever Is Lovely

Lovely thoughts are not sentimental fluff. They focus on what is beautiful in God’s creation, people, and redemption. They stir joy and gratitude. They help you see others with compassion and creation with wonder.

There is beauty everywhere, even in a broken world. Fixing your eyes on what is lovely lifts your spirit and reminds you of God’s goodness.

6. Whatever Is Admirable, Excellent, and Praiseworthy

These words summarize the mindset of someone who walks in step with the Spirit. They describe thoughts that build up rather than tear down, reflecting Christ's character rather than the chaos of culture.

We want to develop mental excellence, a mind trained to rise above the noise and focus on what is worth celebrating.

7. Train Your Mind Daily

Just like physical fitness, mental focus takes repetition. You don’t get strong by going to the gym once, and you don’t develop godly thinking by reading one verse a week. Daily, choose what to dwell on. If your thoughts don’t fit the Philippians 4:8 filter, discard them and replace them with something better.

Fill your playlists, conversations, books, and quiet moments with truth, beauty, and virtue. You’ll begin to notice a shift, not just in your thoughts but in your spirit.

Prayer:
Father, train my mind to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. I don’t want to be ruled by fear, negativity, or impurity. Help me to fix my thoughts on you and the things that reflect your goodness. Teach me to recognize the lies and replace them with truth. Shape my thinking to reflect the mind of Christ. It is in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.