The Daily Devotional
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
God’s Thoughts, Our Thoughts
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Introduction
Our thoughts shape our world—how we feel, how we respond, and how we connect with others. In Philippians 4:8, Paul calls believers to focus their minds on what is good, true, and praiseworthy. This is not just a call to "think happy thoughts," but to embrace a mindset grounded in the goodness of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Reflection
Imagine your mind as a garden. What you plant—and allow to grow—will determine what kind of fruit your life bears. A man once shared how his morning commute used to be the most stressful part of his day. He’d leave home with good intentions, but traffic, radio news, and impatient drivers soured his mood before he ever arrived at work. One day, instead of turning on the news, he played worship music and quietly recited Scripture in his mind during red lights. Within a week, his heart felt lighter. He wasn’t just more pleasant—he was more patient and hopeful.
This is what Paul is pointing to: when we intentionally shift our mental habits toward God’s truth and beauty, we begin to reflect His peace in our everyday life. It’s not about pretending everything is fine—it’s about focusing on the One who reigns above it all. Without the Holy Spirit’s help, our default setting is often fear, complaint, or comparison. But with Christ in us, even our thoughts become acts of worship.
Application
Start today by taking stock of your mental input. What are you reading, watching, or listening to? How do these things influence your thoughts and emotions? Make a deliberate choice to fill your mind with things that are true, honorable, and pure. Memorize a Scripture verse, turn your worries into prayers, and ask the Holy Spirit to guard your thoughts. Positive thinking, for the Christian, is more than optimism—it’s obedience empowered by grace.
Conclusion
You don’t need to manufacture positivity through willpower alone. As you yield your heart to the Holy Spirit and fix your thoughts on Christ, your outlook begins to change. The mind governed by God’s Spirit becomes a wellspring of life, joy, and peace—even in difficult times.
Prayer
Lord of all wisdom, you know every thought before it is formed in me. Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, and help me to think on what is true and good. Teach me to see the world through Your eyes, not through the lens of fear or frustration. When negativity creeps in, remind me of Your promises. Fill me with the power of Your Spirit, that I might reflect Your peace and hope to everyone I meet today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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