What do you do when bad news presses you from all sides, threatening to overwhelm your heart? You purposefully refocus your thoughts to overcome anxiety.
I know this sounds hard—impossible really. But remember—nothing is impossible with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and enable you to see beyond the constant tragedies reported by the media. This may take some effort. Find a comfortable spot away from loud noises. If you enjoy music, put on some soothing songs to calm your inner being. Then close your eyes and allow the Spirit to move your thoughts from darkness into light.
Finally, brother and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8 NRSVUE
Let your mind wander to times when you’ve experienced truth, honor, justice, and purity. What have you found in the past to be pleasing, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise? Meditate on these things. Hold on to these memories while you concentrate on slow, deep breaths. Feelings of peace will well up in your soul like fresh streams in the desert. Soak in this peace and let it fill you to overflowing. And when you open your eyes, decide how you will add to these memorable experiences in the present.
I love to hike in the woods, especially if it’s near a mountain stream. Nothing brings peace to my soul (and exercise to my body) like communing in the tranquility of God’s creation. Do you have a quiet place to walk? If not, seek one out. Often, it’s in these solitary places that we’re able to tune out the chaos and hear God’s voice above the clamor.
But, if I’m in need of uplifting, a good laugh is truly the best medicine. And playing with my grandchildren is my activity of choice. They are an excellent source of joy and sure to bring out the laughter buried deep within my soul.
These are only two examples of how I personally refocus my thoughts when the cares of this world are weighing me down. How about you?
If you journal, make a list of activities you plan to carry out in the next few days. Or print off this page and pen your ideas right here. Don’t forget to meditate every day on your memorable experiences from the past.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NRSVUE
*Featured photo created in Canva
4 responses to “Refocus Your Thoughts to Overcome Anxiety”
Hi, Susanne. I am on vacation this week and just read your October 10 posting. I found it lovely and very calming. I will be the Facilitator for our church’s Leadership Team Meeting in November and as part of my responsibilities will share a devotional with the group. I would like to share this posting, with proper attribution, at our meeting if you would be comfortable with my doing so. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend! Lucy
Certainly, you can share any of my blog posts. This one is the first in a series about practical ways to overcome anxiety. I’m trying to base my recommendations on Biblical principles. The next one will be published on 10/24.
Thanks Suzanne. We too often feel justified to worry and to stay stuck in fear or anger at our situations. Your writing reminds us that we are not victims with no power. God has charged us with responsibility to act to think in ways that cultivate life, laughter and peace. And in initiating actions, we do re-focus and experience delights and overcomings. Praise God – our thoughts are not fixed and unchangable, but our wills can direct our hearts and minds rather than our emotions taking charge.
Great post, Suzanne! So encouraging! And those tips really help me, too. Walking in nature and playing with my grandchildren while thinking about God’s Goodness really helps to put me back in a positive mindset.