...think about these things... (Phil 4:8b)
I did it again! Thursday night as I finished doing some projects and was cleaning up, I looked at what I had done and before I could even have the feeling of accomplishment I immediately saw how much more I had to do. I began to feel overwhelmed and anxious. And what was that for, I’m not sure if you are like me, but then I started to think about how crazy my hair was, I didn’t have time to get a haircut this week. I started thinking about how dirty the cars were, how much ministry work had to get done, and let’s not mention how I was failing to be a good witness to my neighbor (who moved out of their house this week), or whether or not I had intentionally discipled my kids this week.
One thought after another I was only reminded of how much of a failure I was. At the moment, my only consolation was the thought “I’ll be done with this house project soon, and then I’ll be able to catch up.” Perhaps when I get this done, then I’ll be a better person (after I take a day to rest and pamper myself... maybe even get a “man”-icure).
Joy and peace seemed only to be a destination, some end result, after the work was done. It had not entered my mind that I could be at peace and enjoy this, and every, moment. Not until the Holy Spirit caught a hold of me “Why are you consumed with the end so much? Isn’t there anything you are grateful about right now?”
Here is what Paul has to say about it in Philippians 4:6-9:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Now this doesn’t mean we work aimlessly, or that we don’t concern ourselves with getting projects done. Just stop and think about what you do to yourself when you let your mind wander into the arena of anxiety and failure. Choose peace!
The reality is that there will always be something “more” to do; another project and plenty of surprises along the way. If your putting off joy and peace until the end you’re going to live pretty miserable. Instead, here is a better idea: choose to think on the things you can be grateful about now. Choose to enjoy this moment right now, resting in the fact that the God of peace is with you... right now!
