Think on These Things

I did it again.

I’d promised myself I wouldn’t, but there I was, compulsively scrolling through the news feed on my phone. As I read each article, I alternated between anxiety and outrage.

This year, we’ve had no shortage of outrageous, anxiety-producing events. A pandemic. Violence. Hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

I haven’t personally suffered tragedy this year; no one in my immediate family has died, nor have I lost my job or my home. But I’ve often felt like I was driving at high speed down a winding mountain road, with rocks sliding down the mountain on one side and steep drop-offs on the other side. Who knows what’s coming around the next curve?

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

With thanksgiving.

When I concentrate on the potential calamities in my path, I’m hard-pressed to find a reason to be thankful. Bad news can blind us to the beauty around us.

Yet there’s a scenic overlook along the way, and Philippians 8 invites us to park awhile and take in the view.

“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” (Phil. 4:8 ESV).

The Greek word translated “think about” is logizomai, “to reckon inward, count up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate, to consider, take into account, weigh, meditate on.”

The New American Standard version translates the last phrase this way: “Let your mind dwell on these things.”

So instead of taking in all the bad news, I decided to make a list of good news items that fit the criteria of Philippians 4:8.

Whatever is true… In a world littered with fake news and false information, I can fill my mind with the beautiful truth of the Bible. I’m thankful for God’s Word.

Whatever is honorable… In a world that stinks of corruption, honorable men and women still daily, selflessly risk their lives to protect the weak and heal the fragile. Thank God for those heroes.

Whatever is just… A passing glance at the world around us reveals so much injustice. The Bible says, “There’s none righteous. Not one” (Rom. 3:10). The good news is that God is” a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation” (Ps. 7:11), “Thank God; one day he’ll bring justice” (Psalm 94:15)

If the picture of God ruling and reigning seems too far off in the distance, I can meditate on the beauty close up.

Whatever is pure… I thought about my granddaughter’s gleeful, ringing laughter. I thought of friends who’d welcomed new life into their families; sweet babies with velvety soft skin snuggling peacefully in their mothers’ arms; wide-eyed, trusting fur babies affectionately wagging their little tails. Thank God for those pure blessings.

Whatever is lovely… In the morning as I’m driving to work at sunrise, I’m treated to a spectacular display of light and color in the morning sky. As the weather gets cooler, pink camellias pop out on the bush beside my front door. The loveliness of God’s creation gives me reason to be thankful.

Whatever is commendable… Rather than sulking because someone offends me, I can rejoice because so many people demonstrate kindness every day: the neighbor who leaves gifts on my doorstep; friends who text to check on me; sister, who’s only a phone call away when I need to talk; considerate, friendly strangers in the grocery store. Their simple gestures won’t earn the world’s applause, but their actions are commendable.

If there is any excellence… When I take the time to look, I discover examples of virtue and moral excellence. I find people who are faithful to their callings, even when the going gets tough. I’m thankful for my husband, who stands by me through difficult times. I’m thankful for my pastor, who humbly, diligently teaches God’s Word verse by verse. I’m thankful for worship leaders who blend excellent music with a passion for Christ. Those are excellent things.

I’m sure you have your own list of lovely, commendable, excellent things.

Maybe your scenic overlook is cloudy right now. Maybe your eyes are full of tears and your heart is raw from fresh grief. Maybe you feel like you’re about to tumble down the mountainside. Then let your thoughts dwell on God, who is worthy of praise (Rev. 4:11). He’s not far off in the distance. He’s right beside you, a very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1).

Take a moment and enjoy his presence. Just for a while, stop wondering about potential dangers around the next bend in the road.

Park and meditate on the good. The beautiful. The praiseworthy.

And give thanks.

Margaret Kemp spends most days teaching a classroom full of lively five-and six-year-olds. She’s attracted to be fragrance of vanilla, the printed word, and all things blue and white. She delights in spending time with her husband and family, singing praises with her church choir peeps, and traveling. Her heart’s desire is to know God better and learn to trust him more.

Photograph © Denise Johnsobn, used with permission