Think Happy Thoughts
By Jennifer Pierce
“Finally, brothers, 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.”
Philippians 4:8
By Jennifer Pierce
“Finally, brothers, 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.”
Philippians 4:8
In the movie Hook, when Peter Banning finds himself back in Neverland, the race is on to save his kids. The trouble is, it won’t happen unless he can fully convince his own self that he truly is “The Pan.” The Lost Children are convinced that if he could find his one happy thought, surely he would fly again. After many failed attempts, Peter, in his exacerbated state, focuses his mind on one very precious thought: his kids! And Peter begins to fly.
Until Peter found his happy thought, he was frustrated, confused, angry, and even scared. Amazingly, when he changed his thinking, he was ready to take on the world (or, in this case, Captain Hook and his alligator).
The Scriptures remind us of the importance of right, healthy thinking. You see, it’s not just a matter of “having” right thinking; it’s a matter of shaping and developing right thinking. It doesn’t necessarily just “happen.” Philippians 4:8 says to “think on these things.” That’s a present active command. Not only should I be doing it, but I should be doing it constantly. Anything that does not pass the eight descriptions listed in that verse should not hold our attention. If we follow this command, there is no room for hosting thoughts that are negative, condemning, unholy, unpleasant, false or evil.
The Psalmist David longed for this to the point that even his very thoughts were found pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). Too often we focus on our actions, all the while forgetting that God sees and knows our thoughts, too.
The challenge is a proactive one. How can we intentionally and purposefully train ourselves to think on things that would be God-honoring? A few tips may include: listen to encouraging music; post a Scripture verse on the bathroom mirror or kitchen cupboard where it can be seen daily; pray for the person who irritates you; read your Bible on a regular basis; look for something positive to say about a negative situation; memorize Scripture; walk away from gossiping friends; or exercise regularly.
Unlike Peter Pan, it’s time to grow up…and dwell on the praiseworthy thought!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Does your thinking pattern match the description in Philippians 4:8? If not, confess that to your Heavenly Father and make purposeful plans this very day to change.
FURTHERREADING
Psalm 1:2, 19:14, 63:6; Joshua 1:8
Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is at the beginning of a brand-new faith adventure as the Pierce family moves to Crook, Colorado in two weeks to serve Jesus together as Dale becomes the new pastor of United Church of Crook, part of the Evangelical Free Church of America.
Until Peter found his happy thought, he was frustrated, confused, angry, and even scared. Amazingly, when he changed his thinking, he was ready to take on the world (or, in this case, Captain Hook and his alligator).
The Scriptures remind us of the importance of right, healthy thinking. You see, it’s not just a matter of “having” right thinking; it’s a matter of shaping and developing right thinking. It doesn’t necessarily just “happen.” Philippians 4:8 says to “think on these things.” That’s a present active command. Not only should I be doing it, but I should be doing it constantly. Anything that does not pass the eight descriptions listed in that verse should not hold our attention. If we follow this command, there is no room for hosting thoughts that are negative, condemning, unholy, unpleasant, false or evil.
The Psalmist David longed for this to the point that even his very thoughts were found pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). Too often we focus on our actions, all the while forgetting that God sees and knows our thoughts, too.
The challenge is a proactive one. How can we intentionally and purposefully train ourselves to think on things that would be God-honoring? A few tips may include: listen to encouraging music; post a Scripture verse on the bathroom mirror or kitchen cupboard where it can be seen daily; pray for the person who irritates you; read your Bible on a regular basis; look for something positive to say about a negative situation; memorize Scripture; walk away from gossiping friends; or exercise regularly.
Unlike Peter Pan, it’s time to grow up…and dwell on the praiseworthy thought!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Does your thinking pattern match the description in Philippians 4:8? If not, confess that to your Heavenly Father and make purposeful plans this very day to change.
FURTHER
Psalm 1:2, 19:14, 63:6; Joshua 1:8
Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is at the beginning of a brand-new faith adventure as the Pierce family moves to Crook, Colorado in two weeks to serve Jesus together as Dale becomes the new pastor of United Church of Crook, part of the Evangelical Free Church of America.
