Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“…If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – MEDITATE on these things” – Philippians 4:8b

The divinely-approved curriculum for the Believer’s Thought Life is cultivated by POSSIBILITY MENTALITY: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever 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” (Phi.4:8). The King James uses the phrase “THINK on these things”; hence, we can also refer to this biblical practice as: Possibility Thinking or Possibility Mindset.

Bible-based Possibility Thinking is not a naive denial of reality, nor is it the secular concept of “positive thinking” based on sheer willpower. For a Believer in Christ, Possibility Thinking is the intentional alignment of our thoughts with the unlimited Power and Promises of God. Today’s meditation passage provides a roadmap for moving from anxiety to victory, anchoring our mind in God’s perspective. Though writing from a prison cell – a situation that humanly looked impossible – Paul displayed joy, peace, and a mindset that filters out despair.

Possibility thinking begins with standing firm in the Lord, not from our circumstances (v.1). Our stability thrives through cultivating Unity and Joy (vv.2-4). Conflict drains mental energy. Possibility thinking flourishes in an atmosphere of reconciliation and joy, which is an intentional choice, not a feeling. We can replace anxiety with prayerful trust (vv.6-7). The enemy of possibility is worry. When we present our requests with thanksgiving, God guarantees a “garrison” of peace around our hearts and minds. Paul commanded a final mental filter – a disciplined mental inventory. If a thought is not true, noble, just, pure, lovely, or honourable, it must be rejected v.8). However, thinking leads to acting. Possibility becomes reality when we put into practice what we have learned, resulting in the Presence of the "God of Peace".

To “meditate on these things” implies a deliberate, habitual calculation, to focus only on whatever is true, noble or honourable, just or right, pure, lovely or admirable, and virtuous. We choose to saturate our minds with scriptures. We determine to dwell on God's promises, not Satan's lies or terrifying news; worthy, dignified outcomes, not petty, destructive thoughts; God’s righteousness, not complaining; things that inspire love and virtue, not mental junk food; and we look for the good in every situation, even when it’s hard to find. We decide to practise gratitude, converting worries into prayer requests coupled with thanksgiving, which changes our perspective on the situation.

In Jesus’ Name, I decree that:

I am not a victim of circumstances; I am a Victor in Christ Jesus. My mind is guarded by the peace of God, shutting out all fear.

I refuse to dwell on negative reports; I focus on the promises of God. With the Mind of Christ, I see possibilities in barriers and obstacles.

The Lord is near, so I am confident in my tomorrow. The God of peace is with me, bringing restoration to every area of my life.