STEPHANIE POWERS

Is it just me, or does it seem like all I hear people talking about these days is mental health and anxiety? If you pay attention at all to social media, it’s clear that anxiety is at an all-time high. It is a topic of conversation on every platform– scroll TikTok or reels, talk to anybody in Walmart, and they’re worried about something. They’re stressed out about something, whether it be their children, their health, the economy, their emotions, or they have ‘intrusive thoughts.’ Paralyzing fear is at the heart of today’s world. 

So, it also seems that everyone has an answer for how to deal with the anxiety epidemic. Solutions can be found in therapies, self-help books, coaching, medication, mental health days, boundaries, and so on. I have struggled with anxiety most of my life, and through my adult years, I have participated in several of these solutions including more than one freedom session. They were instrumental and vital, and I found freedom in those times. However, staying free can be a struggle sometimes. 

Not too long ago, I was encouraging someone who is in a battle with anxiety. I reached for some of the scriptures that have helped me in my journey, one being Philippians 4:6. As I began to read, I became aware of something that I never noticed before. I was familiar with several verses in that chapter, quoted independently, but it wasn’t until that moment that I realized they are actually found in the same passage. 

In Philippians 4:4, Paul tells us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”  But, something I never realized was he doesn’t just leave it at that; he actually goes on to tell us how. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (v 6-7).

First, we have to pray about the things we are worried about, and be thankful in the process. That’s how we get peace. That seems simple enough. Maybe. I think, when dealing with anxiety, we stop there. That is the so-called easy part. Tell God what I am worried about, be thankful and receive peace. But, now that we have peace, how do we keep peace? How do we stop ourselves from walking right back into an anxious thought? 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (v 8).

It’s the thinking about the ‘whatevers.’ Essentially, this means we have to change the way we think. We have to choose to think about good things and not everything wrong in our life. That sounds like such a simple thing, but in reality, this is the hard part, and honestly, I have found that most people simply do not want to do it. It’s just easy for us to talk about how we’ve been mistreated or victimized, or what’s not going right for us. We find the negative flaw in the person we don’t like, we have a negative thought pop in our head, or somebody says something upsetting to us. We are constantly offended and hold grudges and unforgiveness in our hearts. We drum up the worst case scenarios, the worst about people, and we let all that junk play and replay in our mind constantly. We become trapped in anxiety, because we have traded our peace for pride. I was-and maybe still am at times, the worst about this! Worst case scenarios are my specialty. Maybe it’s a form of protection or preparation… Maybe I feel more in control if I take it to the extreme in my mind. But, it doesn’t give me peace. Mostly, it gives me anxiety, an overwhelming outlook, and a bad attitude. 

Did you know that you are actually in control of what you think? That’s why Paul tells us what to think about, because we have the power to choose our thoughts. Scripture actually tells us to take every thought captive. So, how do we interrupt the bad thought cycle? With gratitude! I promise no matter how dire your situation might seem, you can find something to be thankful for. And once you start thinking about the Lord and the things He has done for you, the things He has blessed you with, in spite of your mess, your outlook (and attitude), will change. And we get to have His peace – the peace that makes absolutely no sense at all, but we get to have it anyway! 

But, wait – there’s more! 

In verses 12-13, Paul says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

If we take our worries to the Lord, practice gratitude and renew our minds, we can have a peace and contentment that is greater than any situation life can throw at us. God’s got us. We have to trust Him. 

I remember when my dad died – the nature surrounding his death was the most tragic event that has ever happened to me. In spite of the trauma, somehow, I was able to find God’s peace. I found if I looked for the graces, I would find them. There were so many things to be grateful for, even in such a traumatic situation. I was able to see my whole family together. I watched my cousins, brothers, uncles and nephews play football in my backyard. My church family took such good care of us–brought us food and supplies. People cared for my children and did my laundry, so I could plan the service and grieve. I’m not implying I didn’t have moments when I felt abandoned, wronged, and angry about that situation. But, when I fixed my mind on the Lord and on His goodness, His peace came. I knew that He would give me the strength to get through this situation, and He would take care of me.  And He did. 

We get one life to live on this side of eternity. Our assignment for the Kingdom of God is too great to allow our thoughts to be encompassed with anxiety about things we cannot control and to allow ourselves to practice negative thought patterns. We have to focus on the ‘whatevers,’ and learn to find contentment no matter what life brings. He has given us the formula for joy, for peace, and contentment:

Pray. Practice gratitude. Receive peace. Renew your mind. Trust God. 

When we look for the goodness of God, we will see it everywhere! I stand in agreement with what King David said in Psalm 27:13, “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.” 

Think about these things. 

Stephanie has served at Destiny Ministries for the last 11 years as Director of Communication, working in graphics, technology, online presence, database management as well as overseeing all publications and media.  She and her husband, Roger, are both Destiny Ordained Ministers and DLI Graduates and they currently pastor Thrive Church, which they planted in 2021, where she also leads worship. Roger and Stephanie have three daughters: Selah, Zoe, and Hallie, and live in Searcy, Arkansas.