Philippines 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true and authentic, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. (AMP)
“Lovely” in the English dictionary means beautiful, charming or attractive. Lovely thoughts are pretty thoughts that add elegance and aesthetics to our inner-man. Let your true beauty come from your inner personality, not a focus on the external. For lasting beauty comes from a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is precious in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:4 TPT). Every thought releases brain chemicals that influences or infects our behaviour. Angry thoughts changes the expression on our face and the tone of our voice. Envious thoughts seeps through haughty eyes. Bitter thoughts emanate hate energy around us. Roman 1:21b but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Whereas love, affection and joy release chemicals that enlightens and brightens our body and behaviour. Lovely thoughts even will slow down biological aging! Chemical reactions in our brain can be summarized as “Happy brain – Happy lives”; Ugly thoughts – dreadful lives. Dr. Daniel Amen says, “When you get your brain right, your mind follows.”
Lovely thoughts are peace-loving, appreciative and understanding whereas ugly thoughts are egoistic, remorseless and seething. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong (Psalm 36:4). Ruminating on repulsive thoughts leads to rebellion. Working evil on their beds, In the morning light they do it (Micah 2:1). The Bible teaches us to sense check the thoughts on our bed and the arguments in our heads because “where the mind goes, the man follows”.
Causes or effects of lovely or ugly thoughts:
- Confidence: Psychologists say that a happy brain stimulates nerve connections, develops cognition and improves productivity. Dr Amen in his research concludes that those who suffer from “Adverse Childhood Experience” (ACE) or childhood trauma are more likely to be introverts who lack confidence and suffer from sulkiness. God’s Word is the “probiotics” to our brain. Ugly thoughts and post trauma regurgitations (ACE) of abusive relationships must be replaced with the confidence from God’s promises – “I’m chosen”, “I’m special and precious to the Lord”. Lovely thoughts are an overflow of God’s thoughts about you.
- Concern: Psychologists state that happy brains affect our view of the surroundings and increase empathy. Those who are unable to sympathize or empathize with the suffering of others are sadistically intoxicated with ugly thoughts. They see themselves hurting more than the wandering destitute, war fatalities or even brutally abused victims. Lovely, cheerful thoughts bubble with care, concern and compassion.
- Connections: Happy hearts build healthy relationships. Healthy, lovely thoughts appreciate and enjoy the talents of others rather than becoming envious or insecure. When motives are clean, the conversations are productive and prolific. However ugly thoughts lead to strife, sin and separations. A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28). Lovely thoughts build enduring relationships.
Ruminate on whatever is lovely and brings peace on your bed to sterilize and sanitize the brain from ugly thoughts.
Philippians 4:8b Think continually on these things.
Prayer: Pappa God, I confess that not all my thoughts are lovely all the time. Help the antidote of your Word to heal my ugly thoughts. Amen
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