6,000 Thoughts
“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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9
INSIGHT
Studies show that on average people have 6,000 thoughts per day. Holy moly. That number hurts my brain just thinking about it! Can you even imagine what you think of in the span of an hour? It seems so hard to fathom we have that many thoughts because it is probably impossible to keep track of all the ways our minds wander.
There are so many competitors for the real estate of our mind. Random images, notifications, messages, and whatever else derails a thought while sparking another. Thoughts from the past or worries about the future can keep you preoccupied from the person or thing right in front of you. So this begs the question, what are you thinking about?
What you think about determines your mood, responses, feelings, interactions, word choice, and decisions. When I am thinking about my wife, Denise, I am on Cloud 9, filled with joy, and wonder how I was able to marry someone so out of my league! On the other hand, stress, worry, and concern take over when I think about finances. Those are just 2 of the countless thoughts I could have in an hour, and whichever one I choose to dwell on will drive my day.
Our minds are more powerful than we realize. Thankfully, Paul provides us with a strategy for our minds: think of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. There is only one subject that meets all of these criteria, and that is Jesus. True and genuine praise is reserved for Jesus alone. When we think about Jesus, we gain peace.
Jesus demonstrated the same focus when He was on earth because His mind was always focused on His Father and the mission His Father had for Him. Jesus made it clear to people who were listening, “I say to you, the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). Not only did Jesus think about His Father, but He used His thoughts to motivate Him through the toughest seasons of life. The author of Hebrews wrote, “... for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). While being lead to the cross, He was thinking about the joy of obedience to His Father, and for the chance to call us His children.
Think about Jesus. A simple sentence, but a sentence that will help you establish a practice for every single day. When you feel other thoughts weighing you down, think about Jesus. Think about the promise of peace He speaks over your life and the demonstration of love He displayed. Rest in His presence that is with you at all times.
REFLECTION
How could your day be influenced by thinking about Jesus?
What is it about Jesus that gives you peace?
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the power of our thoughts. Though my mind can wear me out, I am grateful to know that when I think about You, it changes my perspective and disposition. Let my mind wander about how incredible You are. Let me get lost in thought about Your goodness. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.
