Be anxious for nothing

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

 I’ve thought a lot about change in the context of recognizing the need for a change and committing to making a change, but what about changes that are forced on us? A war, a divorce, a terminal diagnosis, a loss—all these things bring tremendous change that even the most recalcitrant are forced to adapt to. How do you wrap your head around a change that you absolutely do not want? What do you allow to change, and what do you fight to keep unchanged? And what do you hold onto while it’s all spinning out of control?
 This is a hard thing to wrestle with, as the things I’m trying to control and protect are good, beautiful things that should be protected, like my family, our home and loved ones, etc. But, ultimately, I have very little control over anything but my own heart, mind, and actions.
 Paul will be exhorting on big subjects like the persecution and other hardships he and the church were enduring, and he’ll throw in something like this: “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7) —Marie Alvero [1]

 The challenge of faith, in a sense, lies in going without knowing where you are going, leaving without seeing, trusting only in one word, trusting only in God. —Angelo Casati

[1]  Will power does not change men. Time does not change men. Christ does. —Henry Drummond