9/27 Philippians 4:8

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Thoughts come and go from the stimulus around us, but what we meditate on is our choice. We can accept a passing thought or reject it. Our challenge is to carefully guard which thoughts we dwell on. What you contemplate says a lot about who you are and what you believe. A fearful person will dwell on his or her worries. A workaholic will dwell on his work. An addict will dwell on his or her addiction. The Philippian church had two strong women who were at odds with each other. They were probably dwelling on their differences.

The Christian should dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. That includes the nature of God and His work in our life. It is to think upon how He is working in the lives around us, in our church, and in our home. It is to consider what He is calling us to do and the fruit it will bear. It is to meditate on the Word of God.

This guarding of our thought life is only possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. That is our great advantage. He is constantly encouraging us to praise the Lord and reminding us of His goodness. We should be yielding to and welcoming that prodding and participate wholeheartedly in His prompting to dwell on what is excellent and worthy of praise.

Consider: If you are struggling with your attitude or with discouragement, this discipline will make an enormous difference.