What does it mean to 'think about these things' in Philippians 4:8?

from the old testament

• Psalm 1:1–2 connects meditating on God’s precepts to righteous behavior: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” The psalmist implies that meditating on the Lord’s law helps him stand strong against evil influences.
• Psalm 104:34 emphasizes the importance of our thought life, much like Philippians 4:8 does: “May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” Our thoughts affect every part of our life, including our worship. The psalmist wants his thoughts to be part of his rejoicing in the Lord.
• Isaiah 26:3 is part of a longer song of praise and celebration that will be sung when God’s people are restored: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” The “you” in this passage is God. All the positive attributes presented in Philippians 4:8 could be summarized by this passage of keeping our focus on God, the one “worthy of praise.”

from the new testament

• Philippians 4:8 is Paul’s encouragement to believers in Philippi to rejoice in the Lord with their thoughts: “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.” Having the right mindset is a big part of our worship. No matter the circumstances, focusing on all the good God has blessed us with will help us experience His peace (Philippians 4:4–9).
• Romans 12:2 shows that our thought life helps us to resist conforming to the world: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The “renewal” of our minds helps us discern God’s will.
• Like Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2 conveys the importance of what we place our mental focus on: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Christians should not focus on worldly pursuits (1 John 2:15–17) but on God’s divine purposes. We should see our earthly lives with an eternal perspective (Colossians 3:1–17).
• As in Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 shows the direction our thoughts should take—a mindset of gratitude and worship: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God wants the best for His children. When we follow God’s will for us by focusing on what He has given us and our relationship with Him through prayer, we are blessed.

implications for today

What’s on your mind? That casual question is much more than a conversation opener. Scripture teaches that our thought life affects our worship, our walk with the Lord, and our outlook on the world. Setting our mind on the glorious blessings the Lord has given us and on His goodness changes our attitude. The Bible teaches that we should “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, emphasis added). Lose your job? Which reaction is likely to be more glorifying to God and more beneficial to you: Thinking vengeful thoughts about your boss, railing at politicians for the bad economy, or getting on your knees and thanking the Lord that you had that job and asking Him to guide your next steps? This isn’t to be confused with the New Age “power of positive thinking;” seeing it that way cheapens the Bible’s advice about our thought life. Rather, our thoughts are another opportunity to rejoice in the Lord and worship Him as the Giver of all blessings and the One who will guide our next steps. A worshipful thought life glorifies God and is a blessing to us. The Lord, in His mercy and love, has used His Word to teach us the blessings that come from thoughts focused on Him and His goodness.