Whatever you think (Day 6)

Reading: Philippians 4:8 ESV

‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.’

I could tell you many stories of how my thoughts have become realities. Indeed this stunning verse is the bedrock of this devotional. It was birthed in an experience I had a couple of years ago where I was pulled under by a terribly heavy undercurrent of indifference.

If you have ever been there, it is a frightening place to be and yet the most concerning thing is you may not even care enough.

At that time, I prayed a prayer of utter honesty. I acknowledged and repented of my dispassion. I had accumulated my own collection of dull and purposeless whatevers. I begged God to help me focus my thoughts toward the patterns in this transformative verse.

The truth is we can stop bad attitudes and bad thoughts for a while in our own strength. The world has its own offering of self help for the depressed or demotivated.  Here’s the truth though; we will give up if it depends on us. It’s a whole new outcome when the Spirit comes to aid us in this pursuit and we gradually replace a bad whatever with a good whatever.

Today I absolutely vouch for this method! It works steadily within you as a prescription that you will want to refill everyday! Memorise and meditate every morsel of Philippians 4:8. When thoughts contrary to His word come to your mind ask yourself if they belong? Measure them against this standard. Are they true, honourable, just, pure, excellent or praise worthy? If not, take them captive and toss them out with the authority you have in Jesus.

Charmaine