We learn about healthy thinking as we study Philippians 4:8 and surrounding scripture. Our battles with worry, fear and lack of faith are partly caused by our faulty focus. Our scripture text encourages us to meditate on a list of things that are good and Godly.
The subjects of our thinking often proceed from our heart, not our head. That which is important to us is established by the delights and desires of our heart. If we can discipline our heart to love the things that God loves, we can affect the focus of our minds, and the influence of things that disturb us. The disciplining of our heart begins with a cleansing of it by Almighty God. King David knew the connection of heart and head. He prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 31:10).
The things we love must align with the things God loves. In 2 Chronicles, chapter one, is found the story of the beginning of Solomon’s reign. Solomon addressed a massive assembly. Later, that night, God spoke to him this amazing offer. “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon could have asked for anything, but he asked God for wisdom and knowledge. God’s response was, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked for long life – but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself … wisdom and knowledge are granted to you, and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, … (2 Chronicles 1:11-12).
Are you overwhelmed with fear and worry? What is in your heart? What are your hearts desires? Do you delight in things that are temporary and unable to satisfy or is your delight in the Lord? If God appeared to you tonight and asked, “What shall I give you?”, what would your answer be? Your honest answer will reveal the focus of your heart.