When we’re overcome with anxiety, the Apostle Paul offers valuable guidance that can calm our minds.Philippians (4:8, ASV) says, “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Let’s think deeply on things that are true, like God’s word, the Bible. If we’re anxious about upsetting events in the world today, let’s remember God has promised a future kingdom for ALL people! There will be no more crying, war, or death. (See Revelation 21:4) We can read the 35th chapter of Isaiah to learn more! The word “honorable” here has the idea of deep respect. We have deep respect, or reverence, for God, Jesus and the Bible. We can redirect our anxious thoughts by going to God in prayer, learning from Jesus’ examples, and reading God’s word.The word “just” here means righteous or holy. When we feel anxious, let’s think of the righteous men and women of the Bible, like Jesus, Abraham, and Esther. Our thoughts can take a positive turn when we read about their faithful examples filled with courage and strength.“Pure” means clean or innocent. It’s the opposite of sinful. We are ALL sinful, but it’s what we do about it that counts. If we’re upset about a mistake we made, we can ask forgiveness from God and anyone we might have hurt, and do better next time. The word “lovely” here describes something good and beautiful that it draws you in. For example, we might say a flower is lovely, and so is a person who treats us with kindness. They inspire us to also be kind!If something is “of good report,” it has a good reputation. It’s well spoken of by a godly, trustworthy source. All we say and do creates our reputation. Do we have a good reputation for being kind to others? Can we think about people in the Bible with a good reputation, like Joseph, Ruth and Daniel? Here “virtue” means excellence or something that’s really special. We can think about what we value – what’s important to us – like our loving and helpful families and caring friends. James (1:17, NIV) reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” Finally, “if there be any praise” means to think on what is worthy of our admiration and thanksgiving. We should always praise God and Jesus by counting our many blessings to shift our anxious thoughts to THANKFUL thoughts!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
