Former Blackout Artist

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

A few weeks ago a friend called me, frustrated and overwhelmed. There were some situations going on at home that were stressing him out, and he had just come home from a long day at work, where things were equally as challenging. He needed to vent, and I was happy to take the call.

We talked about it for a while, and then I offered him two simple suggestions: “First, I encourage you to pray and ask God to give you His peace. Just give those things over to Him and trust that He will work them out. Then, take a break from your problems. When was the last time you spent an hour or two doing something you enjoy? Thinking about all this negative stuff is not good for your health… you need a pleasant distraction.” He called me the next day to tell me that things had improved. “After I prayed, something crazy happened! I just felt the weight of the world come off my shoulders. And… my wife and I are going to see a movie this afternoon when I get home from work, and I’m really looking forward to it. You’re right – this is precisely what I’ve needed. Spending the evening with her is all I’ve thought about today!”

How often it is that we let our minds settle on things that steal our joy – worries about the future, frustrations with others, and unpleasant distractions that create enormous tension and anxiety. I’ve been there, and I’m sure you have too. It’s so easy to spend the day reacting to things.

When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at begin to change.

But Philippians 4:8 challenges us to redirect our thinking when this happens. Instead of being consumed by the noise and negativity around us, we are called to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy to God. This verse from Paul is a lifeline! God knows that what we think about and meditate on shapes who we are. When we choose to dwell on His truth – His goodness, His promises, His faithfulness – it shifts our perspective. It doesn’t mean we ignore life’s challenges, but it helps us to see them through the lens of hope and trust in Christ.

The world offers countless opportunities to fill our minds with what is false, impure, or discouraging. But we have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to choose differently. When negative thoughts creep in, pause and ask yourself: Does this align with God’s truth? Is this leading me closer to Him or further away?

We have the power to choose what we think about, through the Holy Spirit. Open God’s Word, give thanks for His blessings, and remind yourself of His faithfulness and goodness. When we fix our minds on Jesus, we not only find peace, but reflect His light in a world that desperately needs it.