"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, 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 4:6-8
I don't know about you, but I'm really tired of this political season. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. No matter your political persuasion, you've got to admit the rhetoric and general nastiness is wearing us down. We're ready for it to be over. What's Making Us So Tired?
Our present day atmosphere is what I'm going to call "policititis." Yep, we're sick of it. Everywhere we turn, it seems there is nothing but depressing words-- lies, slander, suspicion, controversy. Deep inside we wonder why it has to be this way. Welcome to sinfulness, my friends.
What's the Solution?
Philippians 4:8 by itself is a wonderful reminder, but I realized the previous two verses dovetail nicely into verse 8. Paul tells us not to worry, to let God know about our worries and needs. And God's peace will guard our hearts. Then he tells us to think of whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, or commendable. If there is anything of excellence and worthy of our praise, then think of those things.
Taken together, these verses can guide us through our politicitis so we can remember there is still good in this world. Babies are born, flowers burst with brilliant color, and we still read of selfless acts of those who work to help ease the burdens of others.
Keeping Our Focus
But even if all those turned bad, we STILL have something wonderful to think about: Jesus Christ sacrificing himself for us and taking on the death we deserve. He is honorable. He is pure. He is worthy of our praise.
So don't worry. Allow God's peace to guard your hearts. And think about His worthiness and beauty. God is in control, and He will not abandon us to this culture of politicitis. Let's keep our focus where it belongs. On Him.
