Choose to Think on These Things
If someone asked you to make a list of things that you worry about, how long would it be? This exercise was suggested to me during a recent Bible study about anxiety. I pulled out a piece of paper and somewhat begrudgingly wrote “Things I Worry About” at the top of the page. I was determined to have a short list because I have been actively working to manage anxiety over the last several months. Reluctantly, I started by putting down the name of a family member dealing with a difficult diagnosis and all the uncertainty that comes along with that. Next was one of my children and my frustration about a common parenting issue. Suddenly, the pen began to fly across the page. Moments later, I was more than halfway down the sheet with multiple names and concerns. Until that practice, I had not been consciously aware of how many disquieting things were bubbling below the surface in my mind. Can you relate?
As I mulled over this menu of items, I remembered a sign that hangs in our kitchen with these words: “Whatever is Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely… Think on These Things” (Phil. 4:8). I see this statement frequently because it is placed directly across from the entrance to my bedroom. It is one of the first things I see when I step out of my room each day. Yet, as I have written before, there is a difference between reading something and practicing it.
My children have heard me quote this verse to them ad nauseam. It is a verse in my arsenal that I repeat often to ward off things that I find offensive. As I contemplated my series of worries, I realized that lately this verse has become more of an informative bumper-sticker mantra than a transformative nudge toward renewing my mind.
When we go to the source of the words on my wall, the verse in its context provides a deeper understanding. Philippians is a thank-you letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. It is an encouragement toward joy, promotes unity, and inspires endurance. Paul also directs the readers’ focus to their heavenly citizenship rather than their earthly hardships. Hmmm… Now, I am looking back at my list of items with a different perspective.
Toward the end of the letter (4:4-9), Paul appeals to the church to rejoice in the Lord always. The original audience needed this exhortation to not respond in kind when treated with unkindness. Instead, others should see their gentle reaction. Why are they able to counter in this way? Because of their confidence in God’s presence. With boldness, they can appeal to God for any and every need, with a peacefulness provided by him through the transformation of their hearts and minds.
Paul then identifies specific qualities for Christians to develop which are centered on goodness or excellence—and are evident to all. This is the ideal that the Philippians, and we, are to aspire to. Within these verses is a guide for peace, an antidote to anxiety. I decided that to combat worrisome things, we should instead make a tally of the things to fix our minds upon. Then, read it often.
What is true? What is pure? What is praiseworthy? These are the things we are to focus on. We must also practice the things we have learned in Jesus. When an anxious thought pops up, be mindful: capture that thought and focus instead on the goodness and nearness of God. Through that habit, and with prayer, God’s peace will come.
