Dwelling on What is Good
Scripture:
Philippians 4:8 – “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 anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”
Psalm 1:2–3 – “Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Devotional Thought:
The content we dwell on becomes the soil of our minds. If we plant ourselves in shallow, endless streams of distraction, we will reap anxiety, numbness, and passivity. But if we dwell on God’s Word—returning to it, meditating on it, even “chewing” on it like Psalm 1 describes—we flourish like trees planted by streams of living water.
Notice Paul doesn’t just say, “avoid bad things.” He says, “dwell on what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, praiseworthy.” This is not passive scrolling. It’s active choosing. What fills your mind, fills your life.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I spend more time dwelling on digital content or spiritual truth?
- If someone looked at the last 24 hours of my thoughts and media intake, what would they say I “meditate” on?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to delight in Your Word more than in the empty noise of this world. Train my mind to dwell on what is good, true, pure, and praiseworthy. Let my thoughts bear fruit that honors You. Amen.
Daily Application:
Take 15 minutes today to replace scrolling with Scripture meditation. Pick one verse (like Phil. 4:8 or Ps. 1:2–3), read it slowly, write it down, and repeat it throughout your day. Let it dwell in your mind the way a reel or a tune might get stuck there.