The Battle Against Worry
“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.” (Philippians 4:8)
Are you feeling stressed and worried?
The apostle Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote this letter to the people of Philippi. He had no idea how long he would be in prison or what his fate would be. Yet, he remained joyful and this letter brought so much encouragement to the Philippian church. Paul was defiant that his joy and contentment came only from God. He didn’t need to worry, because he trusted in God.
There are so many things we can worry about: finances, relationships, work, health, family issues – the list could go on. Do you know the battle of worry starts in your mind, with your thoughts?
Ultimately, it’s a choice. We can choose to worry or we can choose to focus on Jesus.
If you focus on your problems, you will worry and STUMBLE. Focus on GOD, and your giants will TUMBLE.
The Greek word for “think” means not just to ponder, but to give value.
Now look at this verse again:
“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” (Philippians 4:8).
What are you giving value to today? Are you giving value to your problems or are you focusing and giving value to who God is.
To help with stress, to help with worry – think about these eight things:
Is it true?
Is it honorable?
Is it just?
Is it pure?
Is it lovely?
Is it commendable?
Is it excellent?
Is it worthy of praise?
When you think about all those things, doesn’t it remind you of Jesus?
Paul wanted us to fix our eyes on WHO Jesus is, not our worries, not our problems. That is when the battle is won.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for always being with us. Thank You that we can rejoice because of You, no matter what circumstance or situation we face. Thank You for being near. Help us not to be anxious about anything but in every situation, come to You in prayer. Help us when worry creeps in….to keep our eyes fixed on You and what is true, honorable, just, pure, love, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. Thank You for giving us a peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name we pray – Amen.
We are human and it’s hard not to worry about things around us. But we hope and pray this encourages you and that God will give you strength and peace today.
Christine Batchelder