Thinking Faith-Filled Thoughts

June 2, 2026

A compilation

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.—Philippians 4:8

Our culture is constantly influencing the way we think, whether it’s about sporting events, politics, or just random things that fill our minds and our time. As believers in a culture that is constantly seeking our attention, we should give our attention to God and His Word. We should ask ourselves this question, “How does God view the world and what does He want me to think about?” We should make what is important to God important to us.

Think on these things: The book of Philippians was written by Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. He is writing to the believers in Philippi for several reasons. One of the reasons is to encourage the believers in their walk with the Lord. In Philippians 4:2–9 Paul encourages them to rejoice in the Lord, to pray, and to think about things that bring glory to the Lord. …

One of the major themes that come out in this book is having joy. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” He talks about rejoicing in the Lord, not just once a week or once a month, but always. Despite the circumstances that come with living in a fallen world, believers can rejoice in the Lord. God has given us much more than we deserve. He sent His only Son to die for us so that we could have a relationship with Him. The grace that God has shown us gives us reason to rejoice even during hard times. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. …

Paul continues his thought after saying that we should rejoice by encouraging us to pray. As believers, God is our Father and He wants us to talk to Him throughout our day. God provides for us in so many ways, so why not spend the day talking to Him about our worries and thanking Him for what He has given? He is worthy of our time.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Paul wraps up his thoughts in Philippians 4 by telling us to think about things that are praiseworthy. The beauty found in creation declares God’s glory and proclaims the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1–6). The Creator of the universe is worthy of being praised and worthy of our thoughts. … So let’s strive to think on things that reflect His heart and magnify Him.—Hope Field¹

Affirmations of faith

Most of us battle negative thinking at some point in our lives. Our thoughts shape our attitude, our attitude shapes our actions, and our actions help to shape our future. A changed life begins with a change in thinking.

The Bible instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). You set that process in motion by intentionally filling your mind with godly, positive thoughts. “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 ... and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8–9).

The Bible is filled with positive affirmations. As we learn to apply those to ourselves and everyday situations, we begin to see ourselves and life more as God does, and that is reflected in our thoughts and behavior.

Here are a few examples of positive affirmations we can make in line with God’s promises in the Bible.

• Whether or not I feel capable of this task, I am going to trust in God and do my best. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
• I made a mistake today, but I’m determined to learn from it, get up, and try again. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23–24).
• Things may not be working out the way I had hoped and prayed for—at least not yet—but I’m going to keep trusting that God is working in and through this situation for His good purposes. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
• I may be a flawed and imperfect person, but I’m special to God because He created me in His image and gave me a unique mind, a personality, and an eternal soul. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works” (Psalm 139:14).
• Nothing can come between me and God’s love. “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).
• I have nothing to fear because God loves me and He is always with me. “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).
• Today I’m going to think more about others and less about myself, and I’m going to make someone else’s day better. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
• I am not going to give up! Jesus promised that His strength is there for me as long as I keep trying. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
• I may not have as much materially as some people, but I have things that matter more—integrity and peace of mind. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
• God wants to guide me through today and help me to use my time wisely and walk in His will. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• God will help me make the right decisions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

These aren’t mere random, feel-good statements that don’t have any solid foundation. Each is based directly on one of God’s unfailing promises, and what He has promised, He will also perform (Romans 4:20–21).—Ronan Keane

Keys to overcoming negative thinking

Daily Bible reading, particularly studies that focus on the promises of God, are of great help in overcoming negative thinking. It’s helpful to remember that, no matter how dismal the present circumstances, Christians have been promised God’s love and victory in Christ (Romans 8:37–39; 2 Corinthians 2:14). …

The struggle against negative thinking is a battle for the mind. The apostle Paul tells believers what to think about: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Besides defining what thoughts should fill our minds, this text implicitly teaches that we can control what we think about. When a negative thought comes, the thinker who has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) has the ability to push it out of the mind and replace it with godly thoughts. This takes practice, but with persistence, it gets easier. …

As long as Christians live in a fearful, stressful world, negative thoughts will come. We have the option of either stamping out those thoughts or nurturing them. The good news is, negative thoughts can be replaced with positive ones, and the more that godly substitution takes place, the more peace and joy we can experience.—GotQuestions.org²

Published on Anchor June 2026. Read by John Laurence. Music by Michael Dooley.

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