Thursday, March 22, 2018

Think On These Things

Perhaps you have had struggles with anxiety. And in our 2018 world there is no shortage of things to be anxious over. But what if, as Max Lucado asks, “Your challenge is not your challenge. What if your challenge is how you think about your challenge?”

Solomon wrote, “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23




If you want to be happy tomorrow sow seeds of happiness today! Direct your thoughts to happier things – count your blessings, read Psalms, listen to good music and look for people to encourage!

If you want to be worried, anxious or troubled tomorrow then wallow in self-pity, regret, guilt or anger. Beat yourself up. Complain to complainers and share negativity with negative people.

Paul wrote this sound and serious counsel to the believers at Philippi:

“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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

There are three key phrases I want to highlight over the next several days to help unpack these important verses.

"THINK ON THESE THINGS"

The Greek word for “think” = “logizomai” = “logic”

Paul reminds us that the best way to face anxiety is to face it with clearheaded logical thinking – sort out the facts ignore feelings.

Realize:


  • The devil will try to get you distracted 


  • “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8


    • The devil will try to make you reactive

    “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

    But instead, Paul challenges believers to:

    “Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”  II Corinthians 10:5

    Let me ask you:

    · Do you welcome everyone and anyone into your house?

    · Do you pump any liquid or fluid into your fuel tank?

    · Do you let any dog from the neighborhood into your house?

    · Do you plant just any kind of seeds in your garden?

    ·  Do you let any guy date your daughter?

    If you can logically sort out these decisions, and you do! Then you can learn to take your thoughts captive and "think on these things"!