A Good Thoughts List

My counselor husband, Chuck, uses a "Good Thoughts" list with his clients, something he's found helpful in his own life as well. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, perhaps you could use some help in the gratitude department. I know I do. Based on Philippians 4:8, this exercise can change the way you look at your daily routine and circumstances.

"Finally brethren, think on these things."  This is Paul's command to the Philippian believers and is very good advice for us today.  It ensures we won’t be led astray by our lust and pride.  It ensures we will experience more of a "renewed mind" (Rom. 12:2).  And it ensures our relationships with others will be God-honoring. 

So, what are these powerful things we need to think about?

Things that are . . .
 
True (being authentic and accurate, John 17:17 says God's Word is truth)
Noble (excellent, high moral character, honest)
Just (correct principles, fair, righteous)
Pure (free from sin, guiltless, complete and true)
Lovely (having a spiritual beauty, highly pleasing)
Good Report (a good description of a person or event)
Virtue (goodness, moral excellence and righteousness)
Praiseworthy (deserving of approval or admiration)

Using these words, find examples from your life in the last twenty-four hours and write them in your journal.  That's right—make your own daily Good Thoughts List.  As you are looking for these things throughout the day, you are literally obeying what the verse commands. 

When I (Chuck) started this practice in my own life, I found it very encouraging. Dwelling on the true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy left no room for negative, destructive thoughts.  

A daily good thoughts list helps me "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

How fulfilling it is to know and practice scripture.  That's where the real power lies. You and your family will appreciate the real change resulting in their lives by learning to apply scripture.

Happy journaling! And Happy Thanksgiving! Every day of the week. :)