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 ESV

Life gets hard sometimes, doesn’t it? Daily we’re bombarded with catastrophic news reports, fluctuating prices, and political unrest. And that’s on top of what we’re facing in our personal lives. Uncertainty abounds.

We’ve all heard the saying that “the only thing certain in this life is death and taxes.” But even in these things, there’s uncertainty: the amount we pay in taxes differs from year-to-year and none of us knows the moment our lives will end.

This world will try to convince us that even “truth” is uncertain. It says that you can have your truth, and I can have mine. What a desperate, disappointing, and disillusioned way to live?!

Blessedly, there is Someone––and Something––we can be sure of: the Lord and His Word!

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul ties up the ending by imploring the church with these words: 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 (vs. 8). And we are called to do the same today.

So when trouble comes knocking on our doors and we’re tempted to believe the lies this world (and the enemy) tell us, shift your thoughts to what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. All these things are found in Jesus.

Doubt, despair, hopelessness, and fear may creep into our hearts, but they don’t have to stay there. We can kick them out by shouting the blessed promises of God’s Word.

For we know that the Word of God “is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12a). The Scriptures renew our minds and transform our hearts (Rom. 12:2), impart wisdom from above (Jam. 3:17), and fill us with perfect peace (Isa. 26:3). Alleluia!

Friend, when it comes to understanding what’s going on in this world, I’m baffled. I imagine you feel the same. What I do know is that the Gospel truth is what I’ll stand on when everything around me is spinning––and so can you.

Jesus and Scriptures are hope for the hopeless. Healing for the hurting. Peace for the fearful. And assurance that all will be alright. May we hold onto the truth together!

Let’s pray:

Dear Father, thank You for being my certainty in uncertain times. Help me hunger and thirst for Your Word. Fill my heart with peace as I read its pages. Reveal Yourself, Your plan, and Your goodness as I encounter You. And help me share the truth with others so that they may know You and Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.