Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Philippians 4:8: “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.”

At first, it sounded simple—maybe even easy to follow—but the more I reflected, the more I realized how much my mind naturally drifts toward worry, comparison, or negativity. This verse isn’t just advice; it’s a reminder that we have a choice in what we let shape our thoughts.

For me, applying it looks like:

Starting the day with gratitude – listing even the small things I’m thankful for keeps my mind grounded in truth and what’s lovely.

Being mindful of my media intake – avoiding things that feed doubt or negativity and instead focusing on stories, art, or content that inspire.

Celebrating small wins – noticing excellence in myself and others, even when it seems minor.

It’s not always easy. Some days, negativity sneaks in despite my best intentions. But the key is awareness and choice.

Philippians 4:8 reminds me that what I dwell on shapes my energy, my actions, and the way I show up in the world.

Today, I challenge you—and myself—to pause and ask: What am I filling my mind with? Am I choosing thoughts that are true, noble, pure, and lovely? If not, what small change can I make to redirect my focus?

When we intentionally think on what is excellent and praiseworthy, we don’t just shift our mindset—we change how we experience life.