Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
—Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Have you ever stopped to think about your thoughts?
“Let’s face it,” Billy Graham wrote. “In the course of a day, all sorts of thoughts lodge themselves in our minds—some good, some not so good. Those thoughts can, in turn, give birth to all sorts of worries and anxieties; they may even lead us to do things that are wrong or destructive.”
The Bible says Christians have the ability to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). In other words, your thoughts don’t have to be random, and they don’t have to control you. With practice and God’s help, you can control your thoughts.
BGEA’s 6-week “Summer Soul Refresher” will focus on what to think about in order to renew your mind and reinvigorate your relationship with God—or get to know Him for the first time. For week 1, it’s time to focus on “whatever is true.” Here are some practical ways to do that:
Want a quick introduction on Biblical truth?
>> Read Billy Graham’s short devotion.
What is truth?
>> Read this explanation from BGEA’s spiritual growth site, Going Farther.
Do you find yourself thinking bad thoughts instead of good and truthful ones?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer on how to control your thoughts.
Billy Graham once said, “You must know the truth in order to be free.”
>> Watch his sermon ‘Truth and Freedom’ for more.
The Roman leader Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”
>> Hear the answer as you listen to Billy Graham’s classic 1959 message.
What does it look like to take time to think about God in the midst of life’s busyness?
>> Read some helpful ideas in this Decision magazine article.
Do you struggle with anxious and worrisome thoughts?
>> Pray and ask God to help you focus on the truth. You may find many of the things you worry about aren’t true—they’re hypothetical scenarios that never become reality. Or maybe you focus on things that are true but not helpful, like certain news headlines or social media posts. Ask God each day—or even many times throughout the day—to help you fill your mind with the hope, joy and peace that comes from focusing on His truth.
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Discover this truth for yourself.
