Have you seen the movie, Inside Out? It is a fascinating look at what can happen inside our head using emotions as characters. For many of us, there is a character in our head named ANXIETY, and she is running the show.
She is easily fed, isn’t she? Turn on the news. Bam. Anxiety.
Scroll through social media. Bang. More anxiety.
Someone coughs nearby. And bam. Some of us have developed anxiety to even that in the last two years.
The world teaches us that there is much to be anxious about. And we are experts at feeding her and making her take the controls in our heads and hearts.
But what if there were another way?
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Our family has been meditating on this verse frequently this year. And the words ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING have become my mantra.
But how? How in the world can we be anxious for nothing in a world that gives us reasons to be anxious about everything?
I don’t have this mastered. I’m not even close. But I’m practicing this formula, and maybe you need to practice it with me?
In everything (no exceptions) by prayer (talking to God)…
Pleading (supplication) + Praise (thanksgiving) = Peace
When in doubt, repeat.
Our minds are a muscle. And our emotions are STRONG (can I get an amen?). Right now, I’m informing my mind and heart with truth and praying that the Lord will help my emotions to follow.
When that news story comes on, plead, praise, and maybe turn it off.
When that social media post pops up, plead, praise, and maybe unfollow.
When someone coughs, plead that you don’t get sick, praise God he created our bodies and is the great Physician, and then move on with your day.
And in case you need the reminder (because I need it constantly), I created a couple FREE phone backgrounds to serve as a reminder. I don’t know about you, but I need all the help I can get.
Until next time, Warriors!