Think on These Things: Godly Peace
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
When you were in elementary school, did your teacher ever have a poster that said something like “T.H.I.N.K. before you speak - true, kind, insightful, necessary, kind” ? I know I did. I am sure that the thought behind that saying was to prevent gossiping, tattling, and bullying among children. But even as adults, we need this reminder, not only in our speech but in our thought patterns.
It is really easy to think about negative things. Whether we obsess over our own environments and life challenges we face individually, or if we immerse ourselves in world news, there are many things to worry about or dread. Yet, the Bible encourages us to change our thinking in Philippians 4:8. Instead of focusing on things that are false, ignoble, unjust, impure, unpleasant, and of a negative report, we are to think about whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report.
Did you know that when we think about negative things, we are falling into the trap of the enemy. Let’s turn in our Bible to John 10:
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV
You may ask, how is thinking about negative things around me falling into Satan’s trap? Well, Saints, it's because we just read that the enemy’s job is to steal, kill, and destroy. When you focus on negative things and fall into despair the enemy has: 1) stolen your peace, 2) killed your hope, and 3) destroyed any chance that you would dare to believe God to change what is around you. That is how you fall into Satan’s trap.
But no need to fret, the Bible shows us that God promises us peace and a good report, and it shows us what happens when we walk in the attitude and blessings of those who put their faith and hope in the Lord despite the circumstances:
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. The Lord is peace. He is not confusion or anxiety-inducing.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The world cannot provide the peace and solace that the Kingdom can. On earth, the world encourages us to put our hope in ideologies, mantras, politicians and governments, activists - to put our hope in another human being. The peace from above is not like that.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. When we decide to believe true, just, pure, lovely, and good reports, we are promised perfect peace because we are focused on God - not the cares of this world.
John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know. Notice how Jesus’s words are aligned to Philippians 4:8? He is promising to not lie to us which Philippians reminds us to focus on what is true and of a good report! Isn’t it wonderful that we have a hope that transcends this earth and this life? If we follow God, we will join Him in Heaven and have a mansion.
Each scripture implores us to remember each piece of Philippians 4:8. Why? Because when we think on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report we are beating the enemy with the way we think. Many battles thrown our way start in the mind. The way you perceive something and think about it greatly impacts the way you act! If the enemy convinces you to be afraid or to doom scroll or to expect the worst, you have already lost the battle. But if you dare to believe God and have a Kingdom mindset - oh Saint, watch how your situation begins to change. An old pastor of mine used to always say “If you want the things you look at to change, change the way that you look at things!”.
So, how do we begin to change our thoughts? One of the best ways to counteract the enemy’s lies is to instead, look at God’s splendor. Let’s turn to Romans and Psalms:
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
Both of those scriptures call us to just merely consider - think- about the goodness of God and all He has created and done. When we do that, all we can do is come with a heart of gratitude and hope! And if you are busy thinking about what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report you do not have time to think on whatever is bad. And you certainly cannot contribute to the evil of the world.
Let’s pray:
Father God, I come humbly before you. Lord, I ask that you would change my mindset. Help me to think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. Help my mind to stay on You continually. Thank you for the works of Your Hands, for your excellence and majesty in all the Earth! Lord, grant me the peace that comes from above and to receive the blessings of your peace and stillness. Help me to share Your love, joy, and peace with others. In Jesus’ Name.
Be blessed and walk in a renewed mind (Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God).
Song: Psalm 8 by Richard Smallwood and Vision
P.S. It is imperative that when you pray and worship the Lord, that you too worship Him with truth! Pray and sing His Word (scripture) back to Him. You will also find you learn a lot of scripture when it is put to music.