Think on Whatever is Good

Philippians 4:4-9 KJV

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway." (emphasis mine)

We are to always be praising God and looking for the positive in all situations. This reminds me of James 1:2.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

"moderation" = suitable, equitable, fair, mild, gentle

As Christians we are to be different from the world. Our actions should be fair and gentle so much so that we are known for it.

"careful" = anxious

We should not let anxiety rule in our hearts. Whenever we feel anxiety rising, we need to go to the Lord in prayer. We need to ask Him for his peace and thank Him that he is in control. When we go to Him and request peace, His peace will fill our hearts.

In verse 8, Paul admonishes us to think on the good. Studies have shown that what we focus on is more likely to happen. So, if we focus on fear and anxiety, then we will get more fear and anxiety. However, when we focus on truth and those things that are lovely and true, we will get more peace. This is why having a heart of gratitude is so important!

It is important for us to put into practice what we learn in God's Word. When we live life as God calls us to live, then "the God of peace shall be with you."