Sometimes, I struggle with anxiety. My mind gets stuck on things that it shouldn’t, and I struggle to “Let go and Let God.” Sometimes my thoughts are fixated on things that have not even happened yet or are not even factual. If I’m not careful, the effect can make an impact on my body as well as wasting excessive amounts of time over-analyzing and stressing about things that I often have no control over. This also can be very non-productive and agonizing.
In Philippians, Paul gives us some good guidance in dealing with anxiety. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I don’t know about you, but I’d like a double order of that guarding of the heart and mind, please. Trying to solve all of life’s challenges on our own is futile. Leaning only on our own strength and abilities will never allow us to reach our potential. Our mindset can allow us to succeed or limit us to fall short of God’s plan for our lives. God made us perfectly in His image and just the way He wanted us. Allowing Him to continue to guide us through His Word allows us to better know His character and have a better understanding of His will for our lives.
Paul goes on to say “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul sets an example of how changing our mindsets can create hope to overcome the battles before us. Paul was in prison at the time he wrote his letter to the believers in Philippi. Paul did not give up hope and waited to be released before continuing his purpose. He allowed God to use him where he currently was in life. I can’t help but think that the other prisoners must have thought that this guy was different. This guy wasn’t choosing a bitter or victim mindset and conforming to his temporary situation.
Life often throws a lot of curve balls at us. Life can often be overwhelming and mentally exhausting. It sure is great knowing that we don’t have to go at it alone. Paul’s message of prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in conjunction with the message of working to practice the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, or anything worthy of praise can bring the peace and comfort we desire. Choosing the right mindset and leaning on God and His infinite wisdom can help calm the mind and guide us on the right path.
God loves you and so do I,
Jeff Walk
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