2024 Fasting Devotional

Meditate on These Things

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

With all that is going on in the world, it is easy for your mind to be filled with all sorts of negative images and worries. If you spend too much time watching the nightly news and the political pundits, you will get the sense the world is falling apart. The constant bombardment of negativity may be taking a toll on your psyche. It is difficult to experience God’s peace, joy, and truth when you are constantly confronted with the world’s chaos, misery, and deception.

There are few things more satisfying than making a delicious dish for friends and family, but if you put the wrong ingredients into a recipe, the resulting meal will not be what was desired.  Even if you use the necessary ingredients but in the wrong proportion, the result will not be what was desired either. This principle is also true in our spiritual lives. If you put the wrong things into your mind and spirit, you will not produce the fruit that God desires for His children. For this reason, you must be careful that you are not filling your mind with unhealthy ingredients. Instead, you must fill your mind with things that are true, holy, and good.

Take care that you do not allow seemingly innocuous activities, habits, behaviors, and thought patterns to interfere with your spiritual growth.  Instead, focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.  Fix your mind on things of God and extract from your thoughts things that do not please God. Notice that Paul’s instruction in this verse is in the affirmative. In other words, setting your mind on the right things does not happen without effort. It requires intentionality to direct your thoughts on what is healthy and away from what is harmful. The best way to do this is by committing yourself to prayer, Bible study, meditation, worship, and authentic community with other believers.

Make sure you are filling your mind and spirit with the right mix of ingredients that are profitable for your soul. Divert your attention to things that are holy, healthy, and helpful so that you might grow to become more effective in your walk with God.