My thought life has gradually taken a down turn. I keep having negative thoughts or judgmental thoughts. Gossipy thoughts. The type of mental musings that are not part of a Christian’s life.

Often these feelings would come as I was trying to sleep, keeping me from getting rest. As I relaxed, my brain would sort through different scenarios that happened making conclusions I wouldn’t normally make.

While I pushed these opinions away and tried not to dwell on them, they were still there. And, they came back with alarming frequency. Frustration set in and I lost sleep as I tossed and turned attempting to avoid this dilemma.

Then our pastor used Philippians 4:8 in a message:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things. (Philippians 4:8, LSB)

I have known this verse for years, reading it over and over. I even memorized it at one point. This time it stood out to me as a way to combat my disastrous thought life. I needed something to help me not feel like such a failure as a Christian.

The next time I lay down to sleep and the thoughts crowded in, I tried to think of something lovely or excellent. My mind was blank. There is so much lovely in the world around me, but I could not think of anything. Nothing. As if my brain had been washed clean of ideas.

Instead of giving up, I focused on Jesus. Isn’t He lovely, true, right, pure, and worthy of praise? As I pondered this situation, I realized Jesus is the focus of this verse. Considering Him is what we should do all the time.

As I practiced thinking of Jesus in relation to Philippians 4:8, I found my thoughts much easier to keep in line. I relaxed. My chest wasn’t as tight. Breathing became easier and I relaxed into sleep.

Now, anytime I have thoughts I shouldn’t have, I turn my focus to Jesus. Praying is instrumental to changing my focus. But, as I contemplate how good and beautiful Jesus is, those negative thoughts disappear, and I am at peace.

If you have trouble with this issue, I hope you will consider Jesus and who He is. He is true, dignified, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Reflect on Him.