What does it mean to 'think about these things' in Philippians 4:8?
In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he encourages them not to be anxious, but instead to pray with thanksgiving and receive peace from God. In the midst of his explanation to the Philippians of how to find peace, Paul says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). He then ends that portion of his letter assuring them that when they put into practice what they have learned, "the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9). So part of receiving peace from God includes thinking about true, lovely, praiseworthy things. But what did Paul mean to "think about these things?"
In Greek, the word "think" in this verse is logizomai, which literally means "to take an inventory." It can be translated "number, reckon, account, weigh, determine, reason, consider, meditate on, or think on." So Paul was exhorting his readers to take an inventory of all the praiseworthy things in their lives and meditate on the goodness of God as evidenced by those blessings. Recognizing commendable things in our lives helps us to pray with thanksgiving, and recognizing how God has already blessed us helps us trust Him and relieve our anxiety. For these reasons, Paul encouraged his readers to consider all the praiseworthy things in their lives and then praise the One responsible for those blessings. Ultimately, doing so will bring the peace of God into our minds and hearts.
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