Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:8 “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

This iconic and very recognizable sculpture sits proudly at the Rodin Museum in Paris.  The Thinker was originally only 27 inches tall!  In 1881 he was created to sit at the top of an entryway called, Gates of Hell.  Rodin named him The Poet as he  represented Dante.  But this piece was so well received that he grew figuratively and literally to the size we see today!  His deep concentration gives rise to all sorts of ideas as to the subject of his thoughts!

Today’s verse encourages the believer to think about a list of things that are excellent or praiseworthy.  If we are what we think, than the subject of our thoughts makes an incredible difference to how we live!  This list of what we are to think about is sandwiched between two verses on peace (verse 7 & 9).  What occupies our thoughts has a direct bearing on experiencing God’s peace.  And each of these excellent and praiseworthy thoughts can easily describe one Person, Jesus Christ!  His Word tells us to fix our thoughts on Jesus (Heb. 3:1).

How often other thoughts crowd in that are diametrically opposed to this list!  The world pushes at me thinking that is untrue and just ugly.  But I can be proactive and intentional about my thoughts!  I can control what I read.  I can control what I watch.  I can control to whom I listen.  And the more my mind remains steadfastly on Him the more I have His peace (Isaiah 26:3).  The lyric from Be Thou My Vision is so true: “Thou my best thought by day or by night.”

Lord, keep my thoughts on You today.