Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life and Be At Peace

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

Here are two other versions that bring out other aspects of the verse and The Message version puts it into context.

Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. - Philippians 4:9 AMPC

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. - Philippians 4:8-9 MSG

Paul continues in this chapter talking about the peace and serenity that only comes from God:

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - Philippians 4:10-14 MSG

These verses and paraphrasing, summarises the essence of psychology and the psychology found in Christian theology.

1. Our thoughts need careful attention - and we need to weed out the toxic thoughts.
2. Thoughts create our actions, emotions and shape our lives.
3. We have far more control over our thoughts than we know. We choose what we think. Thus we can make new choices and put our mind on good, wholesome thoughts.
4. Our mind can be renewed by the Holy Spirit. "Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes." - Eph 4:23
5. When we allow God to renew our minds, we can be transformed instead of being conformed to the pattern and people of this world system. - Rom 12:2

The Greatness of God
My thoughts go to something else. Paul said during his preaching, a quote by a Greek poet (315-245 BC), "for in Him we live and move and have our being... For we too are his offspring." -  Acts 17:28 (NKJV)

God is with us, all around us - He created and shaped us. We can live above the values, circumstances and limiting beliefs that prevail and seem to force us into a mould. God did not create us this way. We are created to have peace of mind in Christ, as He renews us and creates a new person. - 2 Cor 5:17

Finally, God can "create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me" - Psalm 51:10. This includes our thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs. All by the power and baptism of His Holy Spirit.

Do you hunger for Him and His revival today?