Mental inventory

What keeps you up at night? Have you found your mind racing long after bedtime, cluttered with worries, temptations, and burdens that rob you of rest? In Philippians 4, Paul encourages us to take a mental inventory. Find the good. Keep it. Treasure it. Jettison those thoughts and ideas that weigh you down and create anxiety.
 
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.  —Philippians 4:4-6a (NIV)
 
That sounds good, but is it that simple? Or is Paul living in fantasy-land? A quick review of the letter tells us where he’s coming from. Early on, Paul speaks of these Philippian Christians as a work in progress that God will bring to completion. He challenges them to adopt the servant-heart of their Lord. He encourages them to persevere as they pursue their higher calling.
 
By the time he gets to his final thoughts, Paul has laid the groundwork for raising our line of sight and living above our circumstances. When he says, “The Lord is near,” he believes that. He’s made that case. Before signing off, he will get very practical.
 
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.  —Philippians 4:6b-7 (NIV)
 
This requires slowing down to bring God into the equation, especially when we “don’t have time for that”. Not just to hand God a to-do list, but to count blessings and express thanks. Taking my eyes off me and reminding myself of all He’s already done brings peace that defies logic. He’s never failed me yet and He isn’t about to start now.
 
Then Paul provides new content to replace whatever nonsense was occupying our mind. Take each word in his list. Consider its meaning and find something that exemplifies it. Neurological fun fact: Fear and gratitude cannot co-exist in the same brain at the same time.
 
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.  —Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
 
While therapeutic, this isn’t magic. Life is hard. Problems exist, tragedies occur, issues arise, and as men, we have responsibilities. But bringing our thoughts before God, inviting His Spirit to filter out the ones that are false or no longer helpful, then placing what’s left under the authority of Christ is life-giving. It clarifies our priorities and focuses our efforts. It allows us to move forward, content and confident that our needs are met in Him. And that’s something to rest in.
 
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  —Philippians 4:12b-13 (NIV)