SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE
Philippians 4:8 Looking for some simple Bible devotions? Verse reflections like this are by everyday Christian writers—real people just like you! They help give us reasons why the Bible is relevant for everyday life, and how we can connect with God each day.
Focus on the Good Stuff
Yeah… easier said than done. Anxious thoughts can start innocently with “what if”s and “how come?”s, and before you know it, leave you feeling irritable, with a pounding headache.
Let’s check out Robyn’s verse reflection on how calming anxious thoughts helps us focus on the good stuff, which leads to us having healthier thoughts and less stressful days.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Written by Robyn Scott
It’s easy to find ourselves subconsciously thinking about daily stressors or having hypothetical conversations in our minds of something that has or may happen. Sometimes I find myself in the shower or driving down the road thinking about a stressful situation or something that angers me. When I let my mind run free and think on these things, I can feel the anxiety physically building up in my body.
But instead of dwelling on anxious and stressful thoughts, Paul invites us to think about things that are noble, lovely, pure, true, admirable and praiseworthy. When we catch our minds running with stressful thoughts, we can ask God to help us stop and take control of our thoughts, and intentionally focus on God and the good things he has done in our lives.
Why It Matters
When you’re busy and stressed with everything going on in your life, fixing your thoughts on things that are good isn’t just a command that God gives us. It’s a gift from him to help us function more peacefully. It’s the key to avoiding unnecessary worry, reducing anxiety and keeping calm. Which thoughts can you save in your back pocket (figuratively, or even literally!) for when anxious thoughts start to creep in? Perhaps a time when you experienced God’s presence? Or a verse that has spoken into your life? Be ready, and ask for the Spirit’s help to take control of your thoughts and refocus for a better, less stressful day!
Do you ever need some good Bible verses to reflect on? We’ve pulled a few of our favorites for our verse reflections that work as short, simple devotions to better connect with God in the everyday moments. See this link to check them out!