There is no power in positive thinking to correct or help with insecurities. I just want to get that out of the way, right off the bat.  The answer to insecurities is much simpler than that.

We all in this

First, let’s acknowledge that we all struggle with insecurities and the anxiousness that comes with it. Whether it is financial acne, weight, strength, height, intelligence, popularity, looks, or just plain confidence we all encounter it at one time or another.  This scriptural principle about how to resolve insecurities will serve us well if we learn it and obey it.

Pride

Second, let’s deal with a little pride. Yes believe it or not pride is at the core of not dealing with these nagging anxieties. That is what is so attractive about “positive thinking” it is something WE DO. And many times we fall into the trap of wanting to do something ourselves. We want to be in control or at least feel as though we are. That is pride and the opposite of what God says will actually take care of the issues.  And then, of course, there is the self-centeredness of insecurity. If we are constantly thinking that others are thinking about us or that we are not good enough for this or that then who are we focused on? Ourselves, yes.

The bullet hits the bone

Now we get down to the meat of it. God takes this one on head first and straight forward: Philippians 4:6-9″Do not be anxious 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, 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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Four Things all at the Same Time

Look at verse 6 in which he gives us 4 things we need to do. Now these are things that the bible says we should do all these things simultaneously. Or to say it a different way we should come to God with the four distinct attributes in our approach. Let’s take a close look at each one:

1. Pray – we need to understand that not only can we come to the Lord we need to look at how we are instructed to come to him and what good it does us. Let us compare and contrast two scriptures. Look at 2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” See how coming to the Lord transforms us to mirror Him and by doing so we glorify Him.  But now look at Isaiah who came into the Lord’s presence without the saving grace of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 6:5 “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” You see how much better it is for us to come to God with the blood of Jesus Christ.

2. Supplication – It means to beg humbly and earnestly in prayer and worship. Listen to Jesus’ supplication Matthew 6:9-13 “After this manner therefore pray ye:Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” He is the King of Kings yet there is no pride in his voice. We must pray submissively, not demanding that God fixes something that we have messed up. God is not a vending machine he is a loving father.

3. Thanksgiving –  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes 5:18 Paul and Silas even gave thanks while locked up in prison for the God they served. We are never alone and we should not come to God with an ungrateful heart no matter how bad we judge our circumstances. God has poured out his blessings on us, we should be quick to acknowledge that especially when bringing him a request.

4. Request of God – Lastly when you have checked your attitude and or as you check it then pour out your need to God.  Trusting in him to hear and meet your need. Mt 7:11 “What man is there of you, whom if his son asks for bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

The Promise

Now look at verse 7 in our main text (Phil 4:6-9, case you have forgotten) because there is a promise that comes along with you doing these four things:  “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” He promises to guard your heart and mind! Isn’t that cool? Even beyond your ability to understand him doing it! That is something to bank on! But guess what? That is not the end of it because he also talks about the blessing that this guarding brings forward: Positive Thinking!

The Blessing 

Verse 8 says that the result of God guarding your heart and mind is being able to think on good things: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” See he says “finally”, that means after everything else. We do not think positively in order to relieve our anxiety, no! After God takes care of that stuff then we are able to think about wonder and positive things.

How cool is that?

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