Think about these things... and have peace.

The verse that follows Philippians 4:8 says this: "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Practice. Don't just read about it or hear about it, but do it! Thinking can be an active practice, training our minds to intentionally and consciously choose to dwell on the things listed in verse 8. When we do that, this verse promises that we will experience the presence - the nearness - of the God of peace.

In fact, the verse that comes before Philippians 4:8 also talks about this: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I needed to be reminded of that this week. It is all to easy to let thoughts slip away from what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When I find a kink in my plans, an obstacle to hurdle, tension that I don't know how to soothe, my thoughts switch gears pretty quickly to what is false, selfish, critical, and anxious. And in that moment, I let go of the peace of God, and I fall apart.

But his peace is meant to be a defense - a protection for us. It will guard us and be with us, as long as we are trusting in Him above all else. It takes discipline! It takes practice! Choose today to think on these good things; choose for this hour to take captive and lay down every other thought at the feet of Jesus; choose in this moment to trust the God of peace.

Think about this: What is Excellent and Worthy of Praise?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

In the last two summers, I have had the privilege to travel around the country and see some most-excellent things, like the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, the Grand Tetons, Zion National Park, and the Badlands. From the herd of buffalo on the wild prairie lands, to the silent doe in the cleft of the mountain, these views took my breath away. I love language and poetry and words, but no words could come close to expressing the awe I felt in the presence of such splendor. It made me feel so small, and yet so loved.

When I think of the phrase, "anything of excellence, anything worthy of praise..." I remember these moments, when all I could do was sit and stare and feel my heart pound. It's how I imagine Moses felt when he got to see God's back (Exodus 34:5-8), because it felt like I was getting a glimpse at the edges of His glory, and my whole being was trying its best to worship the only One worthy of praise. You see, these things are not excellent and praiseworthy on their own - they are the evidence of the beauty and majesty of their Creator - they are made to testify and point to and praise Him (Psalm 19).

King David was really great at thinking about these things... if ever I am at a loss for words, I go to the songs that David wrote, and I make them my own:

"...I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised... The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation... For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to your name..." (2 Samuel 22:2-51)

"...For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised...Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!" (1 Chronicles 16:8-36)

"...So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands..." (Psalm 63)

"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! ... Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven..." (Psalm 148)

Rich Mullins is someone else who I think used poetry and music in powerful ways to praise the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3jGntN7hws. Some songs just capture the excellence and glory of God in a special way.

I am thankful for the beautiful places, poetry, and songs that remind and compel me to praise the Lord and tell of his excellence. But when the world does not look beautiful, when tragedy strikes, and I am weighed down by the silence of God, I need to remember the things that are excellent and worthy of praise - even then I must "Put my hope in God; for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42). He is good and constant, and worthy to be praise in all circumstances, in every season.

So no matter what is happening in your life today, praise the Lord!

Think about this: What is Commendable?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

This verse is the only time in the New Testament that the word "commendable" appears in the original Greek. The direct translation is "good saying," or good report. I had to look it up in my Greek reference book, because I wasn't sure how it was different from the word "honorable" (which I wrote about a few days ago).

So, good report... As a teacher, I get this. I've learned how important it is to acknowledge good behavior or exceptional work. It isn't enough to just pat a student on the hand and say, "Good job!" If I just wrote that on everyone's report cards, with no additional feedback, the compliment would eventually lose its effect, and no one would believe that I even cared. It would become hollow and meaningless. But, if I observe something special in a student's work - their persistence, encouraging improvement, creative effort, impressive initiative - I should make a point of specifically commending that student for that thing. And I should be quicker and more effortless in looking for things to commend, rather than complain or criticize.

I think this part of the verse is really important for us, especially when we are tempted to be pessimistic and cynical about the world we live in. It's easy to watch the news or read a newspaper and believe that there is nothing good in the world anymore. Some days I feel the weight of it all - the Curse, the brokenness, the pain, the evil - and it quickly throws a dark shadow over everything positive. But I need to seek out what is commendable, and highlight it so that my focus is drawn to it.

Think about the good Samaritan stories in your community, the nonprofit organizations that exist to make the world a better place, the couple that adopts a baby with special needs, the anonymous gifts that seem to come to people when they need it most. Even the small things, like the stranger who holds the door open for me, or spontaneously decides to buy your coffee for you. Sometimes commendable things are hidden - in fact, I think some of the most commendable things are hidden, because they are done out of the goodness of people's hearts, with no ulterior motive for praise or attention. But they are worth looking for and taking notice of. All of these things - big and small, center stage and behind the scenes - remind us that there is still good in the world. Love and kindness are still alive and powerful. And this brings hope and restores faith.

The Scripture tells us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17). So anything good we witness should point us back to God, knowing that without him, there is nothing good in any of us. This is where my thoughts once again translate into praise - God is so good to me! His love is steadfast, his kindness is immeasurable, his grace is amazing, his mercy is great, his compassion is new every morning, his faithfulness endures to all generations. To God be the glory, for great things he has done!

Whatever is commendable... think about these things. 

Think about this: What is Lovely?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

It's May in North Carolina, so it is very easy to find lovely things to think about: azaleas, daisies, peonies, and everything robed in a bright, fresh spring green!

We also have a lot of rain - whether it's a slow drip and drizzle, or a stormy downpour with wind and thunder. I don't like rainy days, and I'm tempted to look with a frown and a sigh at the mucky mud that will stick to my wheels, and call it ugly. But even the mud is lovely, because it will become fertile soil for the flowers and trees; and the rain is lovely, because it makes the grass and leaves so lush and green.

And as I think about these things, I realize that this part of the verse isn't about being naive or ignoring pain and suffering, it's not about always focusing on the happy and fuzzy things in life, but knowing that beauty emerges and is made more beautiful through the things that we do not call "lovely." Even our lives may look like a mess, but the Lord is so gracious, and he makes broken things beautiful. "He has made everything beautiful in its time..." (Ecc. 3:11)

Then I thought of the old Twila Paris song, "How Beautiful", and how the crucifixion of Jesus could not be called "lovely," or wonderful, or precious, or good - except to those of us who know we are redeemed through his sacrifice - "without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins" (Heb. 9:22) and "by his wounds we are healed" (Is. 43:5). Hosanna, and Hallelujah! And so, the most lovely praise and worship pours forth from this revelation. Another song comes to my mind - "Jesus, You're Beautiful," by Cece Winans.

This praise in my heart compels me to action - to tell others about Jesus and the hope and joy and life he brings. And I find that this is something else that the Bible calls lovely: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" (Is. 52:7)

Our God reigns! What a lovely truth to think about when we are going through the storms of life and are tempted to despair.

Whatever is lovely... think about these things.

Think about this: What is Pure?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

I've been trying to think this week about what is pure, so last night I made a cup of "Pure Camomile" tea to relax and inspire me... On the package, it says it uses "'only 100% pure camomile blossoms," and since Twinings has been a faithful companion of mine for many years, I believed it. I trust that the tea I brew from this bag will be full of one thing - camomile - with no additives or artificial flavoring. And it got me thinking...

Scientifically speaking, there are chemical compounds that are pure, such as salt, water, and sugar. But these compounds can be broken down even further to their purest state. All the chemical elements we know of are pure, because they are in their most basic form - tin, sulfur, oxygen, and gold... 

In the Old Testament, a word that is most frequently paired with the word "pure" is "gold," and this phrase - "pure gold" - is most often used to describe the temple of God, and more particularly, the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God rested. Pure gold became a way for people to understand the character of God himself - completely pure and glorious. And in realizing that purity, people were hesitant and even fearful to stand in his presence. By definition, a pure thing is completely free of anything impure... and we, who are all born into sin and are by nature objects of wrath, are grossly impure. Because of this, we cannot come into contact with the purity, perfection, and righteousness of God. Thus, eternal separation.

But God loves us and longs for reconciliation. That is why he sent Jesus as a sacrifice to atone for our sin. "...though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow..." (Isaiah 1:18) And all we have to do to receive it is admit our need for it: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [impurities]" (1 John 1:9). 

Jesus calls us blessed if we are pure in heart, and promises that we will see God (Matthew 5:8), and it's no wonder, because the only way any of us become pure in heart is by trusting in Him. 

And we are called to keep our hearts pure by living according to the Word of God (Psalm 119:9) and not lifting our souls to any other god (Psalm 24:4) - to be completely and totally given to Him. 

Purification is a process of cleaning and refining, removing what isn't true and what doesn't belong. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, once we have been rescued out of the bondage of sin. He spends the rest of our life on earth purifying us... making us more and more truly who we were created to be... burning and chiseling and threshing and sifting out every grain of us that isn't true to the image of God - our original identity, redeemed in Christ Jesus. 

I think John the Baptist understood the necessity of this process, when he declared: "He must increase, but I must decrease." Sometimes it is painful and difficult to decrease. But as I surrender more and more of my old, wretched, sinful self to God, he is able to refine me and cleanse me, until he becomes the Element that makes up my pure identity. Oh Lord, please get rid of everything in me that is not of you, and replace it with evermore of you.

Whatever is pure... think about these things. 

Think about this: What is Just?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

Of all the adjectives in this verse, this one has been the most challenging for me to think of. In this world, it is much easier to point out injustice than it is to find true justice, isn't it? There are plenty of blogs and news reports and protest demonstrations that very loudly think about the unjust things around us.

I've been thinking about it a lot recently, because my mom and I love watching the TV show, "Blue Bloods," a story about an Irish-Catholic family in New York City - the father is the police commissioner, one son is a homicide detective, another son is a police officer, and the daughter is an assistant district attorney... so they all work in their specialty to try to accomplish the same goal: justice. But it's a hard reality to pin down, and despite their best efforts, they constantly face obstacles like politics, unreliability, revenge, and the limits of the law.

We might all say that we want justice - the good rewarded, the bad punished. But when issues become personal, justice feels like a question mark that leads to no right and good answer, and we squirm under the weight of responsibility in deciding what is just. Consider the symbol we often associate with justice: an expressionless, blind-folded figure, with a sword in one hand and a pair of scales in the other. Justice is a terrifying thing... with no room for mercy, compassion, or grace.

I tried to think of examples in the Bible of God's justice... and it's difficult for me. Not that God isn't just - I absolutely know that He is - but even in reading the stories, I can't understand his justice. When I read about wars and loss and curses and captivity and pain, I'm tempted to question God's justice. But then I remember that blind-folded statue, and I remember the terrible truth of Romans 3:23 (and the whole of chapter 3, at that), and realize that if true justice was served, that sword in her hand would cut down every single one of us without hesitation or selection. We are, by nature, objects of wrath. In light of this, the Old Testament becomes a surprisingly heart-wrenching picture of the mercy of God! 

But then... where is the justice of God? Many prophets asked this question, and God told them to wait, be patient, because it will come. The scales will tip and the sword will fall. The only thing that will tip those scales in our favor is the saving blood of Jesus Christ, and the only shield that will protect us from that sword is our faith in Him. He is the defining edge of right and wrong. The story of true and ultimate justice comes in the end - Revelation 20-21 - when every evil will be destroyed and everything will be made right. 

This realization came to me the other day as I listened to the song "The Reckoning," by Andrew Peterson. As one who has been rescued and redeemed, I praise God for his mercy and patience - for holding back his righteous wrath for as long as he has... and I worship him for his power and justice, which he has promised one day to reveal in all his glory. 

Whatever is just... think about these things.

Think about this: What is Honorable?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

I love fairy tales - stories of princes, knights, and heroes full of chivalry and courage. From Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Prince Philip, to Curdie Peterson, Peter Pevensie, and Samwise Gamgee... These are the characters I think of when I hear the word "honorable" or "noble." They are characters I love, because of the choices they made - the measures they went to, to do the right thing for the sake of others. And when I think about them, I want to raise the standards I have for myself, to live a life that could be admired, to become the hero of a story. Maybe that is why God wants us to think about whatever is honorable...

Honor is a quality that good people strive for in their character. It sets a higher expectation for our conduct and reputation. It isn't just a good deed; it's goodness that overflows from a kind heart, a wise mind, a right attitude, and pure motives. Maybe you have a favorite fictional character whom you admire as an honorable person, or maybe there is a real historical person who you look up to in this way. I hope you can think of someone you know personally who you see as honorable. If so, you should tell them! Honor is not something that just happens to a person; it is developed over time, with lots of intentional discipline.

The real people in my life, who I consider truly noble and honorable, have patterned their lives after Jesus. He is the ultimate example of honor! I've been studying his life and ministry in the book of Luke, lately, and this concept of honor keeps coming to my mind. He set the example for us - to put others before self, to resist temptation, to speak the truth, to have compassion for the weak, to provide for the needy, to love unconditionally... Praise Jesus, the Epic Hero of our Story!

But he didn't do all of that, just so we would say, "Wow, what a noble man!" He walked out a life of honor, showed us how it was possible, and then told us to do the same: "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15). He calls us to a higher standard, to live as children of the King.

Whatever is honorable... think about these things.

Think about this: What is True?

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

One of the most important things Christians need to do is think about what is true. These are the things that do not change with time, culture, circumstances, or emotion - things that cannot be compromised or minimized. We need these things to be always fresh in our minds and written on our hearts, so we can recognize lies and deceit when they try to attack. Some verses come to my mind that remind me that truth is something we fight for and defend:

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

These verses both talk about captivity - either our thoughts are taken by lies, or submitted to Christ. The first result happens when we let our guard down, but the second takes great discipline. It means making Scripture the authority in our lives, and not picking and choosing the pieces that make us feel good. It means reminding ourselves daily of the attributes of God, even when we don't always see them working in the way we want them to. It means remembering who we once were in darkness, and who we are now, because of Jesus Christ. It means rehearsing the Gospel to ourselves and to each other often - it is not just for those who are lost, but it is the ongoing, life-transforming, sanctifying truth for us who have been rescued... and you will find that when you meditate on these thoughts, they turn into praise to the Lord - Hallelujah, what a Savior!

I've been thinking about how Ephesians 6 lists the articles of clothing necessary in the "armor of God," and how the "belt of truth" is part of the ensemble. Belts are not meant to be used as weapons (though they sometimes are)... their purpose is to keep us secure in our clothing. As a soldier, a belt protects the lower body, secures the armor, and holds the sheath for the sword. Likewise, we must be careful not to use truth as an offensive weapon, but as a way to protect and secure ourselves. Truth is a good thing, and through Christ it will bring life and freedom. "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

Whatever is true... think about these things.

Think about these things...

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8, ESV

What are you thinking about? Yes, right here, right now. What about this morning - what were you thinking about when you woke up? What thoughts kept you awake last night? What has been dominating your thoughts and shaping your mindset over the last few days or weeks?

I realized that for the majority of the past year, my thoughts have been in a rut - going over and over details in the past that I can't change, unable to enjoy the new things God was doing around me, and hitting a wall when it comes to seeking God's will for next steps. I heard Cissie Graham Lynch speak a few weeks ago, and she was talking about things that keep us from praising God. And I realized how hard it has been for me to truly, freely praise God - I made it hard for myself, by cluttering up my mind and bogging myself down, not leaving any room or saving any energy to praise my God.

I know the Bible says to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12:2). I want that - to be renewed and be able to discern God's will again... So I started praying that God would show me ways to transform my mind. And I've learned that that is exactly the kind of prayer God loves to answer!

A few weeks ago, I read Philippians 4:8. It's very familiar to me - I memorized it as a kid. But I've decided to try to really obey it, as a daily habit. Each day, I focus on a different adjective in this verse, and meditate on it. Sometimes I find or recall Scripture; sometimes I hear a song or a story; sometimes I have experiences or conversations with others, and sometimes God reminds me of times when he has revealed these things to me. It's kind of crazy, the effect that it's had on me - my mindset, attitude, and perspective! So I thought maybe I would do a mini-series on my blog, to share some of what I've learned so far. I hope you will be blessed and encouraged, and that this will help to renew your mind, too, and lead your heart to praise.