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
What is True
Daily Devotion – January 25, 201
Devotion based on Philippians 4:8
See series: Devotions
We’re often told that we should think happy thoughts. Today’s verse takes a more foundational approach. Don’t just aim for happy thoughts. Think about what is true.
In other words, be honest about your relationship with God, who loves you dearly. Scripture gravely states that all have sinned against him. So don’t pretend you haven’t and that your sin doesn’t matter. Think about the truth. But there is more to the truth than that. Scripture also says that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His willing sacrifice has freed us from sin and death. All who believe in Jesus have God’s promise to be with us, to bless us through every trial and trouble, and to take us to heaven. We need the whole truth. Our verse says, “Whatever is true… think about such things.”
If only we could do it! It’s easy to get so stuck on our sin and guilt to the point that we can’t believe God will forgive us. And it’s just as easy to think that our sin is small and easily managed on our own, without God’s help. Either way, we are setting ourselves up for something worse than just unhappy thoughts. If we lose sight of the truth, we are lost.
Once again, God doesn’t leave us alone. He continues to speak to us on the pages of Scripture. By means of his living Word, God chases away our doubts and fear, and leads us again and again to embrace the truth—because of Jesus, God is on our side.
And when you are thinking about what is true, then you are also thinking about what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. They’re connected. When you stick to the truth, the rest will follow.
You don’t have to settle for just happy thoughts. In his Word, God fills your head and your heart with what is true. You have a Savior named Jesus and he has taken away all of your sins.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I can’t change my thought patterns, but you can. Stay close to me by means of your Word. Lead me to dwell on what is true. Amen.
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