Filling the Mind

“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.”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Scripture is clear: you are to think about noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable things. But, it might take just one look up from this passage to become discouraged. Our world bombards us with negative, judgemental, inappropriate and hateful things. So, here’s a story that will help you remember how to fill your mind with the right things, even when you are surrounded by the wrong things.

If you brought me an empty glass with nothing in it but air and said, “Can you tell me how to get the air out of this glass?” That would be an easy answer – fill the glass with water! The way to remove the wrong thing from your mind is to fill your mind with the right things.

You can fill your mind with the things of God or the things of the world. The good news is that God has given you the power to fill your mind with what is noble, right and pure. It starts by welcoming God’s Spirit to begin the work of removing and replacing.

When you refinish furniture, the first thing you do is take off the old finish before putting on the new. When you want to repaint an old car, the first thing you have to do is remove the old paint and sand it down. The same thing is true with your mind. God helps you remove old thinking and begin to think new thoughts by His power.

Renounce old thinking patterns through prayer. Confess sinful thoughts to a close friend. Choose not to watch or read what causes your mind to spiral downward.

Then follow Paul’s instructions: 

• Think of the true love of God and its unyielding power. 
• Imagine the sacrifice of a serviceman putting their life on the line for another. 
• Consider the purity of freshly fallen snow or the loveliness of a desert landscape. 
• Admire the gentleness of a caregiver, the excellence of a masterpiece, or the maestro of a symphony. 
• Praise the skill of an elite athlete or the accomplishment of a nobel laureate.

When you intentionally fill your mind with these things, there is no space for unhealthy thoughts or patterns. 

Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead to give you victory. Jesus not only won victory over death; He won victory over life. He died so that you can think and live like Him. Through His Spirit, fill your mind with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You that You have won the victory and have given me the power to live in victory. Help me set my mind on things above, not on earthly things. Give me power to use my imagination for Your glory, Lord, allowing only what is beneficial to remain in my mind. Through Your Spirit, help me glorify You in every thought. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.