Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise consider these things.     Philippians 4:8 LSB

Philippians chapter 4 gives some great advice for helping to reduce anxiety. Verse 4 tells us to rejoice, not just when all is well, but simply to rejoice. Verse 5 tells us to let our considerate spirit be known to all men. This is easier to do when we rejoice, by the way. And then in verse 6 we are told to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

We are not supposed to worry. It’s actually a sin to worry because it shows a lack of faith. Now, I’ll admit sometimes this is easier said than done. But if you find yourself worrying, do what Paul says pray with thanksgiving and let your requests be made known to God. Now, we know God knows all things, but He still wants us to ask. So, pray about it and be thankful.

We are told in verse 7 if we do this, we will have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. This means when those around us are freaking out, we can remain calm. This also goes a long way to show others God’s love and His presence in our lives and the good effect it can have on us.

And then in today’s Scripture passage, verse 8, Paul tells us to focus on what is good. Now I often read those, and Jesus comes to mind. Jesus is all those things. He is true, dignified, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Yesterday, I was in an accident. Another driver pulled out and struck my vehicle doing a great deal of damage. He was very apologetic and provided insurance information and of course we all waited around for the police and the wrecker.

I’m telling you this to say had this happened 15 years ago, I would have gone off on this guy. I would have been ballistic. But as I got out of my car unharmed, all I could think about was how good God had been to those of us involved. There was another car that had been struck and that driver was unharmed as well and her car was drivable.

You see in all situations there is good and there is bad. We can focus on what is bad or we can focus on what is good. Now when we focus on the bad, we are more likely to become anxious and worry and get angry and sin. But when we focus on the good, we see that God takes care of us. We can respond with thankfulness.

I understand there are times when really bad things happen to us and we don’t understand why. As Christians, we are never told that we won’t go through hard times, but we are told that God will be there with us.

Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

As we go through life, there will be those speed bumps in our path, just slow down and remember to acknowledge God and be thankful for all He does for us. Focus on the good and trust in Him. Obey His commands and He will take care of you.

Love Him with all you’ve got and do what He calls you to do and remember Romans 8:28 which tells us “And we know that the Lord works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”

God’s got this. Just focus on the positive and trust in Him. Because it really is all in how you look at it.

Have a great day!