Sheep tend to wander. Left to themselves they end up lost, hungry, and exposed to dangerous predators. But sheepdogs have an amazing ability to chase them down, gather them together, and move them in the right direction.

Our minds wander like those sheep. We lose ourselves in thoughts that lead us toward worry, lust, anger, and despair. When that happens we become easy prey for Satan’s attacks.

Philippians 4:8 is the sheepdog we need. There 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.

We can use this list to chase down our stray thoughts or, even better, to keep them from wandering. Evaluate what fills your mind. Does it meet this criteria? If not, let this verse redirect you.

Paul continues in verse 9 by saying, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

– Bryan Craddock