“. . .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
“Clear your mind, relax your body – one limb at a time, float…now I want you to think…” the soothing voice of the yoga teacher instructed as we lay flat on our mats. I have no idea what she wanted us to think on. Before she finished the sentence, I was fast asleep. That’s me, ever the overachiever!
That is not the type of meditation that Paul had in mind when he penned this verse in Philippians (4:8) to the church in Philippi – probably not what the yoga instructor intended either!
Many people confuse thinking about something with meditating on something – the difference is enormous – it is life changing.
Thomas Watson, a Puritan theologian, pastor, and prolific author of the 1600’s, explains it like this:
“In meditation there must be a staying of the thoughts upon the object; a man who rides quickly through a town or village – he minds nothing. But an artist who is looking on a curious piece, views the whole portraiture of it, he observes the symmetry and proportion, he minds every shadow and color. … A wise Christian is like the artist, he views with seriousness, and ponders the things of religion.”1
It’s the idea of fixing your thoughts – focusing your mental attention. Psalm 119:6 says, “Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.”
When you think, you apply attention and intelligence. Meditation takes thinking to a more concentrated, intense level. Meditation is an intimate examination of an idea – looking at it from every angle – exploring tangent concepts to flesh out the idea. Meditation paints a full-color, detailed, mental picture – not just a black and white sketch.
A key theme in the book of Philippians is “having the mind of Christ.” The KJV translation of Philippians 2:5 says: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus….”
In Philippians 4:8, Paul explains how to develop a Christ-like mind. The Greek word translated “think” in this verse carries the idea of “to consider, take into account, weigh, meditate on”2 – it can also be translated “dwell.” Paul is saying, here is where I want you to pitch your tent – here is where I want you to park – here’s where you need to spend your mental focus.
“…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
How often do you race through your Bible-reading to keep up with your “Read The Bible in A Year” schedule? Of course, we are to be diligent and consistent in our Bible reading, but if you can’t remember anything that you’ve read – you’re missing the point and losing out on the benefit of being in God’s Word. It’s far better to read ONE verse and hold on to it throughout your day so that you can mull over its truth and meditate on its application for your life.
That’s how you exercise and strengthen your “meditation” muscles to build a God-honoring and Christ-like mind.
The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on HIS law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1,2
Then the writer of Psalm 1 explains the benefits of delighting in the meditation of God’s Word:
You’ll be like a fruitful tree planted by the waters
You’ll be filled with life and vitality – your leaves won’t wither
You’ll prosper in your walk with God, and finally
God “knows with affection and approval” the way of the righteous3
I challenge you to take inventory of your thoughts for one day.
Where do you spend your discretionary mental moments?
Are you filling your mind with things of value – things that build and edify?
Are you downloading your brain with things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise?
Or do you find yourself filling your mind throughout the day with useless, unhealthy, even destructive thoughts and input from questionable sources?
Are you building godly meditation moments into your day?
THEN, evaluate what needs to be ADDED or SUBTRACTED from the daily input that fills your mind. With the strength of God’s Holy Spirit and intentionality on your part, you can learn to meditate on those things that are God-pleasing and life-giving.
“I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12
“I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:48
“My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” Psalm 119:148
“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5
1The Puritans – Daily Readings, Edited by Randall J. Pederson, p. 12/3
2Strong’s G3049
3ESV Study Bible Note, p. 943