Is Bad News Getting You Down?

Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi from his prison cell in Rome. Even though he was under the threat of execution, he maintained the proper perspective and urged the believers in Philippi to do the same.

We must also remember to maintain a proper perspective. Yes, shocking events are happening worldwide and I don’t think it’s a good idea to hide our heads in the sand. But our focus must not be on those things, but on Jesus and the good things He has done. (By the way, ostriches don’t really bury their heads in the sand. That’s a myth. But I digress.) Paul reminds the church to

“be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.” Philippians 2:3-4

I have noticed in my own life that when I’m helping others my own problems don’t loom so large. For example, when I work in the Food Pantry at my church handing out food to the needy I’m reminded of how blessed I am (not what I don’t have).

Now, if someone with no idea what you’re going through tells you not to worry about anything, you might roll your eyes. But if someone in prison (not to mention having been beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and hunted down like a dog) tells you you don’t need to worry, you might be more inclined to listen to what they have to say. Paul encourages the believers in Philippi,

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.” Philippians 4:8

If you do this, I guarantee you will feel better. In fact, God guarantees it!

In His Love, Cindy

Scripture references from TLB

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

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