www.bible.com/59/php.4.8.esvIf you’re familiar with the Enneagram stuff then I’m a 6. In the most simple of terms it means I’m a worst case scenario kind of person. There’s more to it than that but suffice to say my mind often considers all that could go wrong.
Not all 6’s are the same, in my case I actually see all the things that go wrong and mentally live them out. For example, last night while at dinner a car pulled into a parking spot right behind where my wife and daughter were sitting. The thought crossed my mind of the person not hitting their breaks and hurting people I love.
Obviously that didn’t happen and never in my life have I been in a building when a car hit it. For that matter, a car hitting a building is stupidly rare. But the thought was there none the less. To overcome this I have to apply today’s verse of the day, Phillipians 4:8.
Was it true? No – then I can stop right there. Fear and worry rob us of the current opportunity for joy. Now, had the car been moving into the parking spot at 30 mph then I obviously should warn my family and do what I can to protect them. But this car was moving maybe at 4 mph? So the concern was wasted.
Lord, help us to reprogram our minds to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.