Don’t Think About It

Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, think about whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things that are worthy of respect, if there is anything good or worthy of praise — meditate on these things. I have read this passage many times but for the first time I am seeing it in a way I’ve not seen it before. What I am seeing is the word “if.” It is almost as if (no pun intended) Paul is saying “if” there is anything that is worth thinking about then think about it; but “if” there is NOT then DON’T think about it. What you think about over time will affect everything eventually. Those things you think about will shape your actions. What you think about others will eventually perceive. And what you think about will determine what you will do. Proverbs 4:23 in the Living Bible says, Be careful what you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

If it is not honorable don’t think about… If it is not right don’t think about it… If it is not pure don’t think about it… If it is not lovely, or worthy of respect, then don’t think about it… But if there is anything good or worthy of praise then think on these things; but if there is not then don’t think about it. This is an simple truth but a difficult task; if it is then do, if it is not, then don’t. Our minds produces turmoil when we think about those things that don’t bring peace. Here are 12 things that can help you with what you should and should not meditate on:

• Don’t meditate on what you can’t change…
  • meditate on what you have the power to change!

• Don’t meditate on what you didn’t cause…
  • meditate on what you are responsible for!

• Don’t meditate on things that cause turmoil or frustration… 
  • meditate on what brings fulfillment and peace!

• Don’t meditate on what steals your joy or robs your peace…
  • meditate on what produces joy and peace!

• Don’t meditate on things that don’t truly matter or that aren’t really a big deal…
  • meditate on those things that do matter and are a big deal!

• Don’t meditate on things that don’t align with God’s Word…
  • meditate on those things that do!

• Don’t meditate on what brings you down…
  • meditate on what lifts you up!

• Don’t meditate on fears or failures… 
  • meditate on things of faith and success! 

• Don’t meditate on past mistakes or regrets…
  • meditate on future opportunities! 

• Don’t meditate on what might have been…
  • meditate on what can be!