What Are You Thinking About?

What Are You Thinking About?

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

Too often our thoughts take on a life of their own, wandering freely and sometimes landing in dark places. Our Creator God calls us to be intentional and selective about our thoughts and to use them to enrich our relationship with Him. Look back over your thought life in the last day or two. What did you think about that was “admirable,” “excellent,” or “praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)? All of us can improve our habitual thoughts and better manage our wandering minds. If that sounds daunting or even impossible, remember that when God calls us to do something, He enables us to do it. You could start by making a list of some alternate thoughts to those you usually have. You could also memorize Scripture, such as

Philippians 4:4-8, Psalm 100, or Philippians 2:5-11. When our thoughts wander and cause worry, let’s thank God that meditating on good things feeds our souls and enriches our relationship with God.

Thank You for an alternative to troublesome thinking: meditating on Your Word.

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Your Audience of One

We are not trying to please people but God.

You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do,” Olin Miller reportedly said. Isn’t it possible other people are too busy thinking of themselves — or wondering what you’re thinking about them? Are you grateful to hear those words of freedom? Receive them as an invitation to live your life for your audience of One.

Whom do you need to please? Whose opinion matters? Whose rules will you follow, whose values will you adopt, and whose causes will you champion?

You will find not only more breathing room but also more joy in life if you stop trying to please everyone around you.

Instead, make it your goal to please God. That assignment sounds simple enough, but it’s not easy. It’s hard to please someone you can’t see and whose voice you’re not always sure you recognize. That’s why we thank God for His Word, His Spirit, and His people, each testifying of His great love. Don’t worry about what others are thinking; live for God’s approval alone.

Please teach me to live for You, my audience of One. Thank You!

Excerpted with permission from 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

There’s an old saying “think about what you think about” that really originates from the Bible. When worries, stresses, confusing thoughts, and troubles take over our minds and keep us stressed and sleepless, we can re-route our thinking. We can focus on what is “admirable,” “excellent,” or “praiseworthy”. We can focus on our audience of One and actually live longer and happier! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily