Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Each and every day, our minds are bombarded with thoughts, images, voices and other attention grabbers. One moment you can be pondering over an issue and then just as quickly be distracted away. You then forget what that issue was you were previously thinking about. Yes, there are times when our minds seem to be all over the place. I am sure many readers here can relate to this.
This is especially true this time of year. We have just finished the Christmas season and are now preparing for the New Year. Soon afterwards, there will be the Chinese New Year, and before you know it, we will be a few months into 2025. The following words will surely echo through many of the people: “Where did the time go?” Is there anything we can do to take back control of our lives and thoughts? Consider the following words from the Apostle Peter.
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)
Peter likens our thought life to free-flowing garments that need to be girded up or brought under control. In other words, to allow for FOCUS. It is a discipline that streamlines our thoughts into concentrated channels of expression. The Apostle Paul places a premium on THINKING on those things that produce fruit and godly outcomes. What are some practical steps we can take to help bring our thought life into focus that result in praiseworthiness to God?
Thankful Reflections
Why not take some time in this last week of 2024 and reflect on God’s faithfulness; to you, your family and other factors that touch your life? Be deliberate and allow your mind to focus. Perhaps a brief survey through each month of 2024 will stir some positive reflections that will prompt a response of thanksgiving and praise. Why not pause for a moment and focus your thoughts on God’s faithfulness?
I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. (Psalm 77:6)
The Psalmist was overwhelmed with challenges and difficulties (vs 1-5). You find that everything changed after he took a moment to THINK upon God’s faithfulness (vs 14-20). I am sure all of us have much to be thankful for as we come to the close of 2024. Think about those things! (Proverbs 23:7)
Fix your Eyes on Jesus
The Bible is full of precious promises to those who believe. This was one of the motivating factors that enabled the Lord to continue His earthly ministry. It will prove helpful to us as well.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus is not only our Saviour but also our role model in how to navigate through life. He had a laser-like focus, especially as He drew nearer towards His destiny with the Cross. He focused on the reward of the joy of fulfilling the will of His Father.
Fix your Eyes and Heart on God’s Word
Satan was constantly trying to detract Jesus from fulfilling His Father’s will. Jesus was successful because the Word of God fully governed His life as the Son of Man.
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Do you think about God’s Word daily? Do you allow yourself time to be removed from the fast-paced demands of today’s culture? The Word of God has the ability to comfort, exhort, guide and set people free (John 8:32). The Word can bring conviction of sin as it penetrates the inner recesses of our hearts. Do we make time for the Word to do its work in our lives?
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
The year 2025 has been designated with the theme of “Reviving of Hearts”. This can only be realised as we learn to THINK and FOCUS upon the things that truly matter. A few weeks back we took note of the Prophet Daniel and his ability to be set apart from the prevailing culture of his day. It took tremendous discipline and focus to bring him to the place of not allowing his heart to be defiled (Daniel 1:8). What was the fruit? A ten-time increase of Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding (Daniel 1:17, 20).
It was a measure of anointing observed in his day and one that is very much needed in 2025. A key to overcoming would be in our ability to take time and THINK about that which truly matters. Never underestimate the power and potential of your Thought life.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Isaiah 50:7
“For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.
Tuesday: Luke 9:51
Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,
Wednesday: Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Thursday: Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Friday: Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.
Saturday: Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Sunday: Luke 10:41-42
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
