Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. —
Philippians 4:8
People fret over all kinds of issues, from safety and job security to election results. For many folks—and maybe you are one— anxiety is woven so tightly into the fabric of their day that they’ve learned to live with it.Philippians 4:8
We treat worry like a benign emotion when in fact it can actually be harmful. Anxiety clouds our thinking, divides our focus, and robs us of concentration. To complicate matters, the body can react to prolonged pressure on the psyche. Stress can manifest physically through tension headaches, elevated blood pressure, and even heart attacks.
Drifting through a mentally and physically exhausting life is not the Lord’s plan for us. Our challenge is to take captive anxious thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace them with God-pleasing ones— dwelling on that which is pure, good, and right. The best way to remove stray threads of worry is to crowd them out with something positive: weave Scripture into your mental grid instead. God has something to say about everything that concerns us. Feeling weak or under-qualified? “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Afraid your pay cheque won’t cover this month’s rent, clothes, and food? “Do not worry . . . for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matt. 6:31-32).
Jesus said worry adds nothing to our life (Matt. 6:27). In fact, we waste time and energy dwelling on concerns instead of affirming our trust in the Lord. We must choose to set our minds upon Him before anxiety leaves us feeling frayed.
Prayer:
In the name of the Lord, I bind and cast out the spirit of fear and anxiety from my heart right now!Scriptural Reading:
Philippians 4:8-9
#YearOfWisdom
