Joel M Bradshaw

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

8Finally, 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. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.–Philippians 4

So in moments of anxiety, I ask two questions. I have asked them after a car accident that left my family stuck on the interstate the day after Thanksgiving. I have asked them when my dog ran out the door and was lost all day. They are also in Philippians 4.

What can I NOT control about my situation? These are most things. You can’t control all the matters outside of yourself, what other people think or do, etc. So investing here will only make your feelings worse. Verse 6 commands us to pray to God. The things I cannot control, my response is to trust God. In anxiety I crave peace, so Paul promises God’s peace in verse 7 to those who trust God.

What can I control about my situation? These are your thoughts, emotions, attitudes, words, actions. You can control how you respond. Investing here is the ONLY thing that will ever bring a return. Your response is either honoring God or it is not. In verse 8, Paul laser focuses how we are to be. You should control yourself with that list. And in verse 9 Paul reminded the Philippians to do as they have seen Paul do. He had anxiety, too. The blessing here is the God of peace will be with you.

What you can’t control, trust God. What you can control, honor/obey God. These are my control questions.–JMB