Philippians 4:8

New International Version

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.

For Encouragement

Circumstances have a way of making us anxious and depressed. But thank God, He gives us peace when we pray and petition Him with thankful hearts (Phil. 4:6-7). He settles our racing and confused minds in Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We feel His closeness, power, and refreshing love in Him. It strengthens our faith and makes courage find a new place in our hearts. 

With the peace of God positioned as guards at the doors of our minds and hearts in Christ, we experience security against the troubles and challenges around us. Christ is in charge of our lives now, and our environment is calm amid a stormy world. That is when we must exercise extreme vigilance because things could change quickly without warning. We do this by the things on which we choose to set our minds.

In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul writes:

Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Our thinking pattern must be after godly things—things with eternal focus and trappings. Earthly and negative perspectives open doors to sneak attacks by the enemy and get us worrying again.

What movies do you watch, and how much time do you spend on them? How long do you sit through the news broadcast on various platforms? Do you consider the impact of the time you spend in gossip lanes? How much of the old hurts do you nurse or recall? 

These and much more could stir unwholesome and disturbing thoughts to unravel the peace God has given us. What then can you do to maintain the serenity God promises in the passage for today?

Paul commands eight things for the mind that wants to maintain divine peace in Christ against external conditions.

“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.” 

That, folks, is God’s presence in your life. 

So, practice His presence daily, and may you continue to enjoy the peace only Christ Jesus can give you. Amen!