In today’s devotional, we are focusing on the power of positive thinking. The aim is to explore how the things we choose to think about can greatly impact our lives and our relationship with our God.
» Tuesday, 24th January 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | The Power of Positive Thinking
Yesterday’s daily devotional theme was “fret not for the battle is the Lord’s“ and today’s is about “the power of positive thinking”.
Our anchor verse of the day:
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});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 (NKJV)
In our anchor verse, the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
By doing so, we can transform our minds and hearts to be more like Christ. Let us take a moment today to meditate on this daily devotional verse and apply it to our lives as we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Themes in Philippians 4:8
- Positive thinking and the power of our thoughts
- The importance of focusing on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy
- The potential for our thoughts to transform our lives and bring us closer to God
- The importance of striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Background to Philippians 4:8 and on the theme of the power of positive thinking
Actually, the very background to Philippians 4:8 is the context of the whole book itself. Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi around AD 62-63 while Paul was in prison in Rome.
- In this letter, Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm in their newfound faith and to be united in their love for one another.
- He also encourages them to rejoice always and to be thankful in all circumstances.
In our anchor verse of Philippians 4:8, Paul sums up his advice to them and urges them to focus on good and positive things, rather than dwelling on negative thoughts or things that could lead them astray from their faith.
In short, he was trying to remind them that the way we think about things happening around us can greatly impact our lives and our relationship with God.
Similar verses:
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2
It is an encouragement to us to focus our thoughts and attention on spiritual matters and things of eternal significance, rather than being preoccupied with the transient and temporary things of this world.
That is, to align our thinking with God’s values and to direct our attention and energy towards that which is truly important and meaningful.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Roman’s 12:2
Here too, just as with Philippians 4:8, we’re being admonished to not be conformed to the ways of the world, but to let our mind be transformed by renewing it so we can understand and do the will of God.
Reflection on Philippians 4:8 and on the theme of “the power of positive thinking”
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Our title of “the power of positive thinking” is a popular one in modern self-help and personal development circles, but also a theme found in the Bible.
This verse lays emphasis on the importance of our thoughts and how they can greatly impact our lives. It encourages us to focus on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
In other words, we are to focus on things that are positive, uplifting, and good, which basically means that there’s power in positive thinking.
How powerful is this verse?
One of the reasons why this verse is so powerful is that:
- It reminds us that we have the ability to control our thoughts. The Bible says elsewhere that “as a man thinketh, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). We are not powerless victims of our thoughts, but we have the power to choose what we focus on.
- This is a powerful reminder that we can choose to focus on the good in life, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
- Another reason why this verse is so powerful is that it reminds us that our thoughts have the power to shape our actions and attitudes. If we focus on negative thoughts, we will likely become negative in our actions and attitudes. But if we focus on positive thoughts, we will likely become positive in our actions and attitudes.
In the current Christian dispensation, the idea of the power of positive thinking is one that can bring about incredible results, including miracles in healing, success in our dreams and goals, and even the ability to become conceive, if that is our prayer.
See, when we align our thoughts with the truth found in Philippians 4:8, we open ourselves up to the power of God to work in our lives.
The Bible teaches us that God is a miracle-working God who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). When we choose to focus on positive thoughts, we are positioning ourselves to receive the blessings and miracles that God has for us. We are putting ourselves in a mindset that is open to receiving the promises of God and seeing them manifest in our lives.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});One of the most powerful things about the power of positive thinking is that it can bring about healing in our lives, both physically and emotionally. When we focus on positive thoughts, we release stress and anxiety, which can have a powerful impact on our physical health.
Beloved, you have the power to choose what to focus on, so make a conscious effort to focus on positive thoughts throughout the day.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
As we start this day, we pray for you to help us to think positively henceforth, since what we choose to think about can greatly impact our lives and our relationship with you.
Help us to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. We ask that you renew our minds and transform us to be more like you.
We also pray that you give us the strength to be able to meditate on your words and apply them to our daily lives as we strive to live a life that is pleasing to you.
Grant us the strength to overcome negative thoughts and influences that may try to distract us from the Gospel truth. We ask that you give us the wisdom to surround ourselves with positive influences, positive people, and uplifting things.
We also come to you with our specific needs and desires, for you know our hearts more than we do. Father, grant us the power of positive thinking, to believe in the impossible and to see it happen, heal us from all our physical and emotional illnesses, grant us success in all our endeavors and help us to achieve our dreams and goals.
We trust in your goodness and faithfulness, and we know that you will work all things for our good. Thank you for your love, sustenance, and grace.
In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.
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