https://odb.org/MY/2021/09/24/the-whatevers
When I reflect upon Philippians 4:8, I realise that often anxiety and fear arise when I think of things that have yet to be done. Looming deadlines, missed milestones, outstanding work, yet more and more work piling in. I feel suffocated, hemmed in, unable to breathe, not able to cope. Yet work like most things, needs to be done eventually. You may postpone or procrastinate, but eventually it needs to closed and ticked off, dusted and done. So the best thing is to just do it, tackle it one by one, prioritise but get to it. So thinking about work too much, brings in fear and anxiety unless we are looking for solutions, looking at ways how to write that paper, how to close that contractual point, how to solve that problem. Worrying about deadlines and outstanding work is useless and unproductive. We need to get on with it.
That’s why I think Paul’s advice and exhortation in Philippians 4:8 is excellent! Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy – think about such things! Whatever is great, think about those things. Thinking good thoughts lifts us up, brings us joy, makes us happy and puts us in a good mood.
Paul promises, if we approach life this way, the peace of God that transcends all understanding will be upon us. We will be a much happier, joyful and peaceful person if we think of such things more, rather than always worrying about something – whether it is the future, the government or if it will rain! If we haven’t known, worry adds nothing to the situation, adds zero value. Worry is like hatred although not as bad is nevertheless capable of freezing people, stopping us from moving forward. It doesn’t poison us like hatred but it paralyses us. Not so much just “don’t worry, be happy” as promulgated by Bob Marley but more “get with the program”. Meaning to say, just go and do it, get on with it! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 go!
I believe that thinking good thoughts is also good food for the mind. Nourishes us so we have clearer thoughts and helps us do things quicker. Makes us more productive, more efficient. If we dwell on the Word, our minds will be renewed more and more, and our lives will be transformed more and more to be like Christ. Read and meditate on the Word, think good thoughts, speak to God, engulf ourselves in His presence, pray and intercede for others in need – do all these daily. I think we will find work and life more fulfilling and more can be accomplished in a day.
Ronnie's Thoughts 