What have you been thinking about for the last five minutes? Was it good? Bad? True? False? Worry? Regret? Sometimes I can do all six in one minute!
In the Bible, Paul tells us to think about what we’re thinking about.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
That’s a lot to think about when thinking about what you’re thinking about. In my book Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence, I focus on just the first one: “Whatever is true.” Once we determine what is true, we can make decisions based on facts rather than feelings. Click & Tweet!
Emotions are powerful. Feelings are fickle. The truth is unchangeably secure.
Let’s say you have a thought about yourself or your circumstances, and you’re wondering if it’s from the world, the flesh, or the devil. The big question is, is it true? Of course, the next question is, how do you know if it’s true? The answer is in whether it lines up with or is contrary to God’s Word.
If it doesn’t line up with Scripture—what God says about you or your circumstances—then it’s a lie. Don’t ponder it, play with it, or banter it around in your head. Stop the chatter.
Paul doesn’t just leave us with the qualifying list; he gives us the means to implement it. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.”
It takes practice. Practice, practice, practice! And look at the result: “And the God of peace will be with you.”
Here’s another idea. If you’re not sure if a thought is from God or the world, the flesh, or the devil, attach “in Jesus’s name” to the end of it. Click & Tweet! For example:
I’m such a loser, in Jesus’s name.
Hmm. Something about that just doesn’t fit, does it?
How about this?
I made a mistake, but I know God forgives me when I ask, in Jesus’s name.
Now that lines up with the truth.
Put Philippians 4:8-9 somewhere you will see throughout the day. You could write it on a post-it-note and stick it to your fridge. You could save this blog graphic to your phone and make it your wallpaper.
Leave a message letting us know where you have posted this verse.
Today’s blog post is adapted from my brand new book, Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence. It’s time to silence the voices in your head that say you’re not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough … or just not enough, period. Trade in self-defeating thoughts for God’s truth that you are an incredible woman of worth, uniquely fashioned and empowered by God! Order today and receive 24 free Truth Cards. Learn more HERE.
And in case you missed it…
Comments 10
Thanks for this beautiful reminder. Mine is on a post it note on my computer at work. Blessings friends!
I have Phillipians 4:8 on a little card and it is on my desk at work! A constant reminder!
Thank you for this scripture reminder. I printed it & put it on my fridge! So I will see it several times a day!
I have Philippians 4:8-9 in 2 places on a bright neon pink post-it note. 1 on my bedroom mirror and the other in my car on the dash above my steering wheel so I see it no matter where I’m at and have that constant reminder… Thank you!…
I have posted it in my journal and on my vanity mirror!
Thank you, Jesus, for Sharon Jaynes. <3
On my bedside table!
Thank you Sharon. For many years now my mind has been a secret battlefield. To see positive I need to imagine to negative first if that makes sense. Constant fear for my kids for myself for our health. It’s now crowding my reasoning. I feel so overwhelmed I’m loosing sleep.
I will believe Phili4:8-9 and trust that The Son has set me free indeed.
This scripture is a confirmation for me, from the Lord. The second time given to me in a couple of weeks. Thank you Lord. I have saved it to my messenger and am memorizing it!
This is exactly what God is saying to me.