It’s been a few weeks and I don’t remember what I was listening too, but I’m guessing it was a podcast or something I streamed online, like a church service. Anyway, it helped me see the scripture in Philippians 4 with fresh eyes.
As I struggle with anxiety, I can see how these verses can help with refocusing my thoughts and having more peace. Here is an excerpt from Phil. 4 below:
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
What I’ve learned from this chapter of scripture is that we can “crowd out” anxiety in our minds with gratitude. Really focusing on all of the good we have in our lives. There is so much more good than bad, but for some reason we let the negative take hold of us and it begins to overtake us when there is so much to be thankful for. I’m trying to think every day what around me is worth saying thank you to our Heavenly Father for, such as: our loving God, salvation and eternity in heaven, abundance of water and food, safe community, good schools, freedom to worship, freedom of speech, etc.
Here’s my Anti-Anxiety Cheat Sheet:
1- Gratitude: antidote to anxiety. Gratitude “crowds out” anxiety. Pray.
2 – Put mind on what is pure, lovely and true. Reorient thoughts.
3- Get Busy. Serve others.
Anxiety is not fixed by simple means. It really takes a full-on attack and not just passive prayers. It takes mindful captive-taking of thoughts to obey Christ. The struggle is not easy but it is possible with God’s strength.