Many times we stop reading at verse 7. However, it is very important that we continue reading. This brings us to verse 8,

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence
and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Our minds are wonderful. They help us process life along with our five physical senses. Our mind shapes who we are and is one of the ways that makes us all different. At the same time, our minds can get us into trouble and bring despair, depression, fear, and many times skews our picture of reality. The mind can and, many times, is a battlefield. It can be easy to allow our minds to dwell on the negative circumstances of life. If we don’t pay attention, our minds will rehearse over and over again the pains suffered from people’s comments, the way they act toward us, or the problems of life that cross our path. This is why in verse 8, Paul says, “Finally . . .dwell on these things.” In other words, Paul is saying, “Let me sum it all up for you. After you rejoice, pray, and God’s peace is with you, this is how you should train your mind to think.”

One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to fill our minds, fix our thoughts and meditate on what is true. What does God’s Word say about your circumstances? Remember, God’s Word is THE truth. Fill your mind with what is honorable. What is worthy of your respect? Fix your thoughts on what is right. What is God’s way of doing and being right? What are God’s proper standards and actions? Meditate on what is pure and authentic. Fill your mind with lovely and pleasing thoughts. Fix your thoughts on the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly. Meditate on things to praise and not things to curse.

Added with prayer, this is how we stop fear and worry dead in their tracks. This is how we win the battle of our minds.

Pondering these things,
Pastor Tom