Why Worry?Sample

## Challenging thoughts Many people physically live on earth but enjoy the idea of an alternate world. That’s why people become so easily addicted to video games and alternate world games. There’s a false freedom living care free from the worries of this world In a similar sense, others live in the alternate world of their worries. Some live in worst case scenarios and build a full movie out of one thought. Have you ever thought of a scenario so much so that you ended up feeling the emotion in real life? For example, crying at the thought of losing a loved one or becoming angry with a friend during a made up argument. The word of God has provided an antidote. We are to cast down these imaginations. You may ask why this is necessary. One of the dangers is that the imaginations can become our world and the truth that we feed on. Anything that exalts itself above the word of God, is to be pulled down. In this case, our mind is to be subject and filled with godly thoughts (Phil 4:8). Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. I used to think this scripture only applied to other fleshy circumstances such as lust, adultery and pornography. I have now realized the potency of this holistically. It will be impossible to live in obedience to God (2 Cor 10:5), renewing my mind to live in God’s will for my life, if I am constantly filled with worry. Again I ask you, by worrying what can you add to yourself? Instead, let’s challenge our thought life. Philippians 4:8 is a prime example you can use to sift through your thoughts. Is what you’re thinking about true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, excellent or worthy of praise? Not all thoughts will be all these things at the same time. Another way to challenge your thoughts is to be careful what you allow in. Proverbs 4:23 stated this in the best way- ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ Screen the shows you watch on TV and the audio outlets you listen to. If news or social media is a trigger, take a break. If every time you talk with a particular person you start worrying about your future, limit your conversations and live peaceably with them. Response for the day: If possible, spend up to 4 hours of the day free from news, social media and TV shows. Replace it with moments of rest, low impact physical exercise or even meditation. You can do this through increments of 30mins-1hr totaling 4 hours.