Thursday Thought - Discovering Movement in an Ancient Letter “Think About Such Things” Exploring Philippians 4:4-9

 In today’s post, we’ll look at Philippians 4:8, which in The Message Translation says, … I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8 (NIV). I hope you’ll join me for a few words and lots of beautiful photos …

My husband bought a new camera lens recently and invited me to go with him when he tried it out at Duncan Gardens in Spokane’s Manito Park. Every photo today is from that little excursion. 

Philippians 4:8 lends itself to a good deal of personalization because we all have such different problems, preferences, and perspectives. For that reason, I decided not to express too many of my thoughts on Paul’s suggestions of important things to think about. Instead, I’d like you to prayerfully invite the Holy Spirit to give you the “gift of divine ideas” as you ponder these words and phrases. I welcome your feedback and imagine it might be as lovely as the wide variety of flowers on display at Duncan Gardens.  

Neuroscience research and how it supports what the Bible says is fascinating. While meditating on Philippians 4:8, I wondered how Paul’s instructions to think about positive things despite difficult circumstances related to neuroscience. The brain, I was reminded, has a bias toward the negative, but when we intentionally reframe negative thoughts with those that are positive, activity in the prefrontal cortex is stimulated. As a result, we make better decisions, are more even-keeled emotionally, and creativity is stimulated. 

Paul discerned this when he said, 

Fill your mind and meditate on things that are …

True

Noble 

Reputable

Authentic

Compelling

Gracious

The Best, Not the Worst

The Beautiful, Not the Ugly

Things to Praise, Not Things to Curse

Question to Consider: What are the difficult circumstances or negative influences in my life that keep me from practicing Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:8, and how might reframing the negativity bring greater joy and freedom into my journey? 

Prayer

Holy Trinity,

I know you know how difficult __________________ is. 

Please help me today to reframe negative circumstances into positive praise.  

Thank you for the extravagant beauty of Your creation,

For the intricate way You designed my brain. 

Straighten the crooked places in my journey and lead me along clearly marked paths.

Help me learn how to fill my mind and meditate on 

Things to praise and not to curse! 

Amen

Blessings on your journey, dear friend!

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