Fighting Fear with Praise
“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. 9 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
The cd player in our minivan is broken. It plays the same cd on loop and won’t stop without ejecting the disc and starting anew. Often my brain does the same things with thoughts that will loop and loop until I have to deal with them either in quiet prayer time or if left unchecked, in a moment of anxiety.
When my thoughts spiral out of control, I need to intentionally focus on truth.
Philippians 4 is full of encouragement. It tells us to let our gentleness, reasonableness, be seen by all! This isn’t easy when we’re feeling overwhelmed. We cannot control the virus painting our world sick and anxious. But we can tell our thoughts and fears to the One that can handle them. He’s not shocked; He knows them already, and doesn’t turn us away.
He’s our Healer, Shepherd, Savior. He gives us His peace, His wholeness, and guards our ever-changing emotions and thoughts.
It’s easy to fall into the “What-ifs”, but we are called to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure ...
These verses are a great reminder and encouragement. God created us, He knows where we often let our thoughts take over and loop. But Philippians 8 tells us what to think about, what to loop in our brains, the true, the honorable, the just, the pure, the lovely, the commendable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. (Just changed from all caps to bold).
So as we notice the thoughts that so easily get stuck in our minds, may God graciously eject them, and remind us of all of His lovely Truths.
Do you find yourself looping the what ifs right now? If so, pause to think on something praiseworthy.
Ginny Davidson is an overcomer, brain tumor survivor, wife, and mother boldly declaring God’s hope and peace. With an M.A. in Education, she speaks so others can experience freedom from anxiety and life change. Whether it’s a conversation on her vintage couch or sharing with a group, Ginny is compelled to share the message of the peace-filled life to a world of women plagued by fear. In the evenings she can be found outside with her husband and kids, attending dance parties around the record player in the living room, or highlighting a great book. Visit her online at www.ginnydavidson.com.
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Originally published Friday, 05 July 2024.
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