Philippians 4: 2 - 9
We continue our examination of Paul's instructions for doing battle with anxiety.
Number 4 ... Pray. Look again at verses 6 - 7. Pray. About anything. In everything. Can you see the discipline in this instruction? It is a decision you make to pray. Utilize this phenomenal resource! Paul tells us that part of prayer is supplication. Part of prayer is laying our requests and needs - our cares - before the Lord. We do it in faith ... trusting the sovereignty and faithfulness, the love and mercy of God. Another part of prayer is thanksgiving. Look for your own places of gratitude in whatever circumstance you are in. Look for your own places of gratitude in relationships you are in. And tell God ... express thanks ... pause long enough to look for and express your gratitude. Prayer is the umbilical cord that keeps you connected to God the Father. Don't cut it!
Number 5 ... Select the things upon which you will focus your mind. Look again at verses 8 - 9. Paul lists for us the kinds of things that will help produce healthy thinking and reduce stress and anxiety in our minds. The list is so beautiful. Things that are ...
- true
- noble
- right
- pure
- lovely
- admirable
- excellent
- praiseworthy
Paul says to think about those kinds of things. Why is it so much easier to see flaws, to see the ugly, to criticize the imperfect, to moan over the failure than it is to focus on the beautiful and excellent? What is it about us that draws us in that direction? I don't want to be that way!
Now, I want us to get practical. Take a piece of paper right now. If you are married, list some things about your spouse that fit the categories Paul lists. If you have children, whether young or grown, list some things about them that fit these categories. If you are a part of a church family, list some things about it that fit these categories. If you have a paying job, think about that work and list some things about it that fit these categories. OK. You have created your own "think about" lists! You have developed your own 'mental focus' items. So ... practice. Today.
I know that every one of us longs for peace of mind and life. Therefore, we must do battle with anxiety. It robs our mind of any chance for peace. Paul gives us solid, practical, doable instructions to enter the battle and come out victorious. Are you willing to do it? If not, why not?
Lord, may we have the courage and the mind to pursue this wisdom from your servant, Paul. You came that we might have abundant life ... and a life riddled with anxiety is not even close to abundant. I pray for each of us considering these things ... give us the desire to rid our lives of anxiety and the willingness to take the steps You gave us. Amen.
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