From Anxiety to Intimacy

We are stepping into day four of our journey through From Anxiety to Intimacy. We talked about how we can combat anxiety through release and thanksgiving, and today, we see how we can embrace God’s Word.

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

God wants to pour blessings into our lives, but we must be stilled by prayer. Our mind, with all of its worries, needs to be freed up so we can then replace it with better thoughts. We can choose to set our minds on lovely, beautiful, and commendable things in the midst of pain.

So, we challenge you to read Philippians 4:8 again and think about how to fill your mind with the Word of God.

Prayer frees us up to make good decisions. We can go from being captured by anxiety to being liberated by intimacy with God. We release our concerns in prayer with thanksgiving. One of the greatest things we can be grateful for is the ability to bring our requests to God. We aren't just emptying our minds. We release our concerns, but then we fill our minds with the character of God, who hears the prayers of His people.

Philippians 4:8 guides us in what we are to set our minds on. So, as we release our anxious thoughts, we embrace lovely thoughts.

What's true? What is commensurate with reality?

What's honorable? What is a respectful and dignified way to live?

What's just? What are the actions that I can take to fulfill any obligation I may have with both God and man?

What's pure? What is a work of art or music to be appreciated?

What is commendable? What is admirable enough to make sure the masses know about it?

What is an excellent thing worthy of praise?

Think about these things. Take them into account. Let them into your mind.