Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise – dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8
My words…
Praise
You created me with such a complex thought system. My motives, intentions, ambitions, and actions all spring from my thoughts – what I think about. What I dwell on. I’m not like the dog on the leash who wraps himself around a lamp post and can’t figure out how to get free. You have given me the capabilities to figure things out (some days more than others). You made me responsible for my thoughts. When I think about what I dwell on (not to get too “meta”), I realize how weighty a responsibility it is. Which leads me to believe that You have faith that I can dwell well. You gave me everything I need to do so. You didn’t leave me wrapped around the lamp post, trying to figure out what’s going on. You left me a very clear example on which to pattern my thoughts: You, Jesus. Your thoughts weren’t recorded in scripture, but they didn’t need to be. All Your true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable thoughts were perfected into Your words and Your actions because You knew how to dwell well.
Prayer for me
You created me with this responsibility to dwell because I am called to make a choice. Each of my thoughts is a deliberate choice. However (I wish there weren’t a however), during the times of mental over-stimulation or when I have grown spiritually flabby, I neglect to dwell on the virtuous, and I get wrapped up in social rhetoric, moral debates, and Satan’s victories. In other words, I make bad choices. Help me, Lord, to think intentionally.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I neglect to use my time wisely, and I end up with all my waking hours used in mindlessness and idleness. Being a faithful dwell-er takes time. It requires sacrifice and discipline. Forgive my selfishness. I’m only hurting myself.
Thank You
I am so thankful that I was created with the capacity to ponder, meditate, and imagine. I couldn’t know You without it.
More praise
Dwelling on the virtuous is not sticking my head in the sand and refusing to see the world for what it is. You have given me the ability to see the false and the true, the dishonorable and the honorable, the unjust and the just, the polluted and the pure, the ugly and the lovely, and the unworthy and commendable. It is then I recognize which is more powerful. One builds. The other tears down. When I dwell on You, I enter a temple filled with hope, peace, and love. And it’s the best place to dwell.
