Philippians 4:8-9 & My What If Book

Philippians 4:8-9 should really be my life verses! This post is a sequel to Listening to the Rain and Things to Think on. Apparently, anxiety is a recurring problem for me. That is why I am back here, one month later, and that's what makes me so thankful for this passage from God's Word!

When anxiety takes over my weary soul, I run right back here to these verses firmly planted in my mind! I recite them over and over in my mind, mostly at night when I can't sleep. It seems that's the time when anxiety haunts me most, like monsters under the bed. I am so thankful for the truth and comfort God’s Word brings to me!

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

Share this ​nugget of gold for the anxious soul!

So, when I'm lying there awake at night, desperately trying to sleep, I repeat these verses in my head and ask myself this question. "Is this [whatever anxious thought has flooded my mind] true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellence, worthy of praise?" If not, why am I wasting my time thinking about it?

If you have an anxious child this is an excellent verse to have them memorize. Memorize it with them as I have. Write it on the walls of their room. Send them off to the first day of school with a note and this Scripture. It's a nugget of gold for the anxious soul!

​Anxious for Nothing

If you also have an anxiety problem, let me recommend Max Lucado's book Anxious for Nothing. I've read it and it really helps put the whole anxiety battle into a proper perspective.

“We rest in Him, find our nourishment in Him. His roof of grace protects us from storms of guilt. His walls of providence secure us from destructive winds. His fireplace warms us during the lonely winters of life. We linger in the abode of Christ and never leave.”  ― Max Lucado

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"When it comes to anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses, America is the frontrunner. Thankfully, there’s a practical prescription for dealing with them. Anxious for Nothing, the most recent book from New York Times bestselling author, Max Lucado, provides a roadmap for battling with and healing from anxiety.

• ​Does the uncertainty and chaos of life keep you up at night?
• Is irrational worry your constant companion?
• Could you use some calm?​​

If the answer is yes, you are not alone. According to one research program, anxiety-related issues are the number one mental health problem among women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men. 

​Stress-related ailments cost the nation $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity. And use of sedative drugs like Xanax and Valium have skyrocketed in the last 15 years. Even students are feeling it. One psychologist reports that the average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s. Chances are, you or someone you know seriously struggles with anxiety.​

​Stop letting anxiety rule the day. Join Max on the journey to true freedom and experience more joy, clarity, physical renewal, and contentment by the power of the Holy Spirit. Anxiety comes with life. But it doesn't have to dominate your life." –goodreads

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Max writes, "The news about our anxiety is enough to make us anxious.” He knows what it feels like to be overcome by the worries and fear of life, which is why he is dedicated to helping millions of readers take back control of their minds and, as a result, their lives.
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Anxious for Nothing invites readers to delve into Philippians 4:6-7. After all, it is the most highlighted passage of any book on the planet, according to Amazon: "Do not be anxious about anything, 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."

In the characteristic tone of his previous books like You’ll Get Through This and Fearless, Max guides readers through this Scripture passage and explains the key concepts of celebration, asking for help, leaving our concerns, and meditating.

Tell us your story and what Philippians 4:8-9 means to you.