Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
“What does my heart dwell on?”
That’s what I was thinking today after reading verse 8.
For me, there’s a lot I can dwell on.
Political issues. Social issues. The war in Gaza.
On a more personal level, family problems.
But when I dwell on these things, they inevitably lead to frustration, anger, sadness, and anxiety.
Certainly not peace.
And so many times I sense God telling me, “Shift your focus. Turn off the TV; turn off the internet. Stop arguing with people in your head. Turn to me.”
Part of that is turning to his words. Letting his words shape the way I’m thinking. Letting his words change my focus to that which is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent and praiseworthy.
Part of that is simply taking the time to talk to him about all that’s running through my mind.
As Paul says, being “anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, making our requests known to God.”
What are you dwelling on?
Jesus, you are the vine; I am the branch. You are my source of life and spiritual nourishment. So set my heart and mind on you.
You know all that goes on through my mind during the day. But help me not to dwell on these things. Help me to dwell on you. You are my life.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 