Ever feel like throwing your hands up in the air and saying, Whatever? When you feel like you just can’t seem to find comfort in where you are?
Right now, more than ever, we seem to be living in a world full of fear and anxiety. How do we become people that are not overcome by worry, but those who find peace?
Philippians 4:8 gives us the answer and is the inspiration for my newest design here on Designing Dee.
Adjusting my thinking
To be honest, lately I’ve been really nervous for our country. There’s so much civil unrest and hatred; I’m struggling to understand, it’s really foreign to me. So while trying to find comfort (I usually turn to my bible for this) I was reading in Philippians, for no real reason, just that it was familiar, and verses 4-9 jumped off the page. This!, this is how you find peace.
The design is my little reminder for myself and a shout out to others to keep our eyes focused on the good in the world. The link to purchase the “Whatever” design is found here.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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.
There’s so much goodness in there! Here’s a couple of thoughts verse by verse.
- Rejoice in the Lord– When you struggle to find joy, rejoice in the things of God they are good. Life is hard, but God is good. There is no evil in or around God.
- Let your gentleness be evident to all – Gentleness is being humble and kind yet also strong in spirit. The world is hard and people are in need of a gentle kind spirited person, be that person. They will know us (Christians) by our kindness toward one another.
- The Lord is near – He is aware, He knows what’s going on, what’s in our hearts and wants us to turn to Him in times of trouble. When we draw near to Him, he will draw near to us.
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God – Oh my gosh! there it is, don’t worry, pray! Pray about everything, realize what you DO have things to be thankful for and thank Him. then present your requests to God. Share with Him what’s on your heart. He already knows but he wants you to trust Him enough to ask. Unselfishly ask. Prayer Changes Things….It may be you, but it does.
- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus– And the peace will come, peace that goes beyond understanding, peace that is rooted in Christ Jesus Himself.
- 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. – Watch what your putting in your head, especially lately, you can get caught up in the news, the drama of the media, social posts and even the protests. There is so much negative! Stop drowning in it. Think about the things listed above, think about what you have learned from God and His promises. Treat people like Jesus would (Love Them) and the God of Peace will be with you…that’s a great promise.
joy in Him when yCould you use this motivational quote on your mirror every morning? Check out my mirror decals and new book to boost your faith and confidence in these uncertain times.