3. Think on the Right Things
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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
Anxiety builds up when our thoughts are contrary to the truth of God’s Word. Several portions of Scripture show us that our thoughts are powerful and have a significant impact on our lives and the outcomes we experience.
Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Your life cannot be transformed or aligned with the truth of God when your mind is filled with things that oppose or contradict Him.
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Proverbs 23:7 – As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Even God’s desires and plans for our lives are first expressed in His thoughts (Jeremiah 29:11).
Proverbs 4:23 says we must guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.
Why is it important to dwell only on the right thoughts in order to battle anxiety?
a. Wrong thinking produces fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
b. Wrong thinking paralyzes a person.
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs them down.
c. Wrong thinking causes us to lose sight of God’s goodness and greatness.
God is bigger than every situation. When we dwell on negative thoughts, we fail to see how good and powerful God truly is—good enough to preserve us and powerful enough to deliver us from any difficult situation (1 Peter 5:7).
d. Wrong thinking keeps us in the wrong place.
When we think wrongly, we fail to recognize opportunities and avenues of escape. Instead of moving forward, we remain stuck in unpleasant situations longer than necessary. However, when our thoughts are aligned with God’s truth, we can see clearly and discern what God is leading us to do.
So What Are the Things We Must Think On? (Philippians 4:8)
a) The Things That Are True
What is true?
- The Word of God is true.
- The plans God has for you and His thoughts toward you are true.
- Your salvation – the fact that you are a child of God and that Satan cannot overcome you – is true.
- The fact that God is greater than the devil is true.
- The fact that the devil is a liar and has been defeated over your life is true (John 8:44).
The Word of God is truth. Let your heart be focused on the truth of God’s Word, and let it experience and enjoy the peace and joy that only He can give.
b) Things That Are Honest/Noble
The word translated as “honest” in the KJV or “honourable” in the ESV is semnos in Greek. It refers to something worthy of reverence, venerable, or august – something of high reputation or honour. The opposite would be disgraceful, shameful, or dishonourable.
Scripture warns us not to engage with shameful things (Ephesians 5:3, 12). If we should not speak of them, we should also not dwell on them in our thoughts. Such thoughts do not produce joy, peace, or pleasure in the heart or spirit; instead, they foster anxiety, unease, and sometimes fear (Hebrews 13:18; 1 Peter 2:12).
c) Things That Are Just/Right
The Greek word dikaios refers to what is righteous, virtuous, and in line with God’s commands—what is approved and acceptable to Him.
When we set our minds on righteous things – things that are pleasing and approved by God – we are positioned to experience peace. The things of the world and of the enemy do not produce peace.
Jesus said in John 14:27 that the peace He gives is not like the peace the world gives. His peace is far greater: unlimited, unfailing, and independent of external circumstances.
Romans 12:2 teaches that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word of God, so that we may discern His will, which is good, acceptable, and perfect. Doing what pleases God begins with thinking what pleases God
d) Things That Are Pure
A pure mind is free from impurity and moral fault. It does not wish evil on anyone or entertain thoughts of harm or wickedness that the enemy may try to introduce (1 Corinthians 13:5b). Instead, it thinks the best of others and extends grace. It does not assume evil intent in others.
A pure mind maintains holiness, just as God is holy (Matthew 5:8). It does not entertain sin. When the mind is pure and clear, anxiety has no space to grow. A pure mind does not feed fear; instead, it starves it (Psalm 51:10; Titus 1:15).
e) Things That Are Lovely
The Greek word prosphiles means acceptable or pleasing. This word is used only in this verse in the New Testament. It refers to thoughts that are pleasing and agreeable.
Our thinking should be acceptable to God and pleasing to Him. Romans 12:2 teaches that we renew our minds so that we may discern God’s will, which is good, acceptable, and perfect.
Discernment of God’s will happens in the mind. If our thinking is contrary to God’s Word, we cannot clearly discern His will for our lives.
Therefore, our thoughts must align with what pleases God. Thoughts of fear, evil, and negativity are not pleasing to Him. They only fuel anxiety and remove God from our awareness. To overcome fear and anxiety, we must think thoughts that are pleasing and acceptable to God.
f) Things That Are of Good Report
The Greek word euphemos means well-spoken, praiseworthy, or favourable in reputation. It refers to things that are commendable and conducive to good outcomes.
To put it simply, if something would not sound right when spoken out loud, then it should not be entertained in your thoughts. Do not dwell on things that are not of good report or reputation.
Death is not a good report – do not dwell on it. Do not imagine the death of your family members or being left alone. If the enemy brings such thoughts, silence them in Jesus’ name. Cancer is not a good report – do not dwell on it. Do not imagine your children falling into bad company or being negatively influenced. These are not good reports.
Such thoughts clearly fuel anxiety, so we must reject them and instead focus on the good report of God’s Word.
For example:
- Instead of death, think: Psalm 118:17 – I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
- Instead of sickness, think: 1 Peter 2:24 – By His stripes I am healed; Jeremiah 33:6 – I will bring health and healing; Exodus 15:26 – I am the Lord who heals you.
- Instead of fear concerning your children, think: Isaiah 54:13–14 – All my children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be their peace; they shall be established in righteousness.
g) Things That Are Excellent or of Virtue
The Greek word arete refers to moral excellence, virtue, goodness of character, modesty, and purity of thought and action. The opposite includes sin, iniquity, immorality, and wickedness.
Proverbs 15:26 says, “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 6:16–18 also describes things the Lord detests.
A person whose mind is filled with immoral or wicked thoughts cannot enjoy God’s peace. God is grieved by a corrupt heart.
You may ask, “How can a Christian have wicked thoughts?” Consider jealousy or envy toward someone else’s success—that is not virtuous. Slander against a fellow believer is also not virtuous.
Some thoughts are subtle and may not appear clearly wrong, but if they do not align with God’s nature, we know they are not from Him.
Therefore, think virtuous, moral, and excellent thoughts. These produce peace. Sinful and immoral thoughts do not come from God and do not produce anything good.
h) Things That Are Praiseworthy
Are your thoughts something that can be commended or celebrated? If yes, notice how they uplift your spirit and bring joy even as you think them.
If your thoughts are shameful or unworthy of praise, do not dwell on them.
In summary, the third step to experiencing God’s peace is to think on the right things: whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
