What does it mean to meditate on these things? Let me ask you, what do you think about most of the time?

Do you fill your mind with positive, uplifting, and godly thoughts? Or do you dwell on negative, worldly, and sinful thoughts?

The Bible tells us that our thoughts have a powerful influence on our actions, emotions, and spiritual well-being. By meditating on these things, we are aligning our thoughts with God’s thoughts, and we are transforming our minds to be more like Christ’s mind.

Key Takeaway On “Meditate on These Things”

  • Meditate on These Things: Our thoughts shape our reality. By choosing intentional thoughts, we shape a positive and purposeful existence.

Anchor Bible Verse of the Day

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.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

In this verse of Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul gives us a roadmap for our thought life and processes.

The qualities mentioned – truth, nobility, justice, purity, loveliness, goodness, virtue, and praise – are presented as anchors for our reflection, guiding us toward a positive mindset.

In simple terms, it’s a call to shape our thought life intentionally and allow positive, uplifting, and virtuous stuff to occupy the forefront of our minds.

Key Explanations

  • Meditate on these things: The directive emphasizes the active and intentional nature of our thought process.
  • True, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy: These qualities serve as beacons, illuminating the path to a wholesome thought life.

Reflection on Meditate on These Things

Paul wrote to the Philippians from a prison cell, yet he was full of joy and gratitude, and I ask myself why! Wasn’t he supposed to be discouraged?

Well, he rather encouraged others to rejoice in the Lord always and to be anxious for nothing. He also gave them practical advice on how to guard their minds from negative thoughts and focus on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

He said, “Meditate on these things.”

What then does it mean to meditate on these things?

It means to think deeply and carefully about them, to ponder and reflect on them, to consider and examine them. It means to fill our minds with the things that please God and edify us. It means to avoid the things that pollute our minds and corrupt us.

Why is it important to meditate on these things?

Because our thoughts affect our emotions, our actions, and our outcomes. As Proverbs 23:7 says: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

If we think about positive things, we will experience peace, joy, and hope. If we think about negative things, we will experience anxiety, depression, and despair.

How can we meditate on these things?

1/ Meditate on God’s word:

The psalmist said in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You“.

God’s word is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. It is the source of wisdom, guidance, comfort, and strength. It is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path.

2/ Meditate on God’s character:

The psalmist said, “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty” (Psalm 145:5).

God is holy, righteous, faithful, merciful, gracious, loving, and good. He is the creator of all things, the sustainer of all things, the redeemer of all things. He is our refuge and fortress, our shield and deliverer.

3/ Meditate on God’s creation: The psalmist said, “I meditate within my heart on Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands” (Psalm 143:5).

God’s creation is full of beauty, wonder, order, and design. It reveals His power, wisdom, glory, and majesty. It testifies to His care and provision for us.

Today, beloved, God is calling you to a place of absolute peace. He calls you to think about Him not about the issues you have. Never allow the devil to bombard you with negativity and fear, for Jesus has got your back. Stay in there!

Call to Action

  • Today, take intentional pauses. Reflect on the qualities mentioned in Philippians 4:8, and infuse your mind with positivity and virtue.

Prayer Points for Today

  • Bold Transformation: Pray for a transformative renewal of your thought life, aligning it with the virtues outlined in Philippians 4:8.
  • Clarity of Mind: Ask for divine clarity to discern and focus on thoughts that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
  • Strength to Meditate: Seek strength from God to consistently meditate on virtuous thoughts amidst life’s challenges.

Let’s Pray

Our Father, grant us the strength and clarity to meditate on thoughts that are pleasing to You. May our minds be a sanctuary of positivity, reflecting the virtues outlined in Your Word.

In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

My prayer for you today: I pray that your mind becomes a garden of virtuous thoughts, reflecting the beauty and goodness of God’s truth. May you find strength in intentional contemplation.