How to Change Your Perspective According to Philippians 4

I remember when IG first came out. My very first photo was of my parents and I after we had just bought our first iPhones. I put those filters on my photos and felt so cool. Suddenly my anxious college life looked so much better. Now we’ve come a long way with filters. There’s VSOCO — remember that trend that went around for a bit. Are you a VOSCO girl? I still don’t really know what that means. I like using light room for my presets and filters now. Yes, photo editing really took a huge turn with those filters. I could talk about that for hours. I love editing.

Let’s talk about how changing your mindset can really give you a life filter. Just like an instagram filter, you need a life filter straight from — wait for it — God’s word. Nothing else. None of these positive affirmation cards or Pinterest quotes. Let’s go to the best mindset change reminder there is — right from Philippians 4.

1. The Lord is near.

Knowing that your heavenly father is right next to gives so much comfort. I remember when I first realized God as a friend. Someone who is right next to me. It was when I came to know a saving faith and I was pretty young. I knew I would never feel the achy loneliness feeling again. The Lord is near.

2. Think outwardly not inwardly.

Focus on others and not yourself. Things will change. Sometimes depression and anxiety happens because you are staring at your problems too much. Those things fade away if you’re making a conscious effort to help someone else. Just listening to other person can take your mind off of your own situation and give you an entirely new perspective.

3. Bring up your prayer requests to God. 

— Dont just worry about them. Talk to God about it. What are you anxious about. What in your life looks desperate? What in your week looks hard. Pray about it.

4. Be thankful for the things you can be.

Make a list. Or start on the 30 day gratitude journal challenge.

5. And take hold of the peace that is of God that each of us has because hey our lives have been and are being redeemed. 

Trust the process. <3

Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 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. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Now, what does your perspective look like? Changed right? 

Next, I’ll tell you what a friend told me when one of my anxious prayers were answered: don’t be afraid to post. Share what God has done in your life.