Keys to Apply God’s Anti-stress Therapy

God’s anti-stress therapy is God’s rest. In the previous post, we looked at God’s rest and the main way of entering and staying in it. One of the most important keys to applying this anti-stress therapy is the exercise of self-control in our thinking.

Keys to Apply God’s Anti-stress Therapy – Renewing  of the Mind

Because our mind is the most important battlefield, not only the way we think and the stereotypes we have, but also the thoughts we focus on an everyday level play a decisive role in dealing with stress and anxiety. God gives us a solution to both aspects of thinking. The solution to the first aspect, which relates to established patterns of thought and stereotypes, is the re-programming, called renewing of the mind.

This is a long and continuous process supported by studying the Word of God and by being led in all truth by the Holy Spirit. In this way, false and destructive models of thinking are identified and destroyed. At the same time, new ways of thinking and perception corresponding to God’s truths are being created.

The renewed mind is the foundation that holds us and makes us stable and resistant to stress. The renewed thinking is based on the truth, and truth means freedom. This also includes the freedom of response and dealing with attacks of anxiety and fear. The renewed mind and way of thinking are centered and stand on an unshakable and unchanging foundation.

This is Christ, Who is the Rock. The renewed mind can rest in the unchangeable, unconditional love of God guaranteed by the personal covenant relationship. It is able to rest in his complete dependence on God, who is the Perfect Parent, Almighty, Sovereign, and in control.

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Keys to Apply God’s Anti-Stress Therapy – the Right Focus

The next key to applying God’s anti-stress therapy is maintaining the right focus in our thinking daily. This process includes, in the first place, the filtering of our thoughts. This is the opposite of the passive wandering of the mind. Filtering is the grasping of one thought at the very beginning of its occurrence in the mind.

And then sifting it through God’s filter given in the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians 4:8-19. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

We see that the two most important criteria are truth and love. The result of thoughts and deeds, guided by truth and love, is peace and tranquility, and the experiencing of the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

In his second message to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul gives us another practical instruction about filtering thoughts. „We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10: 5)To take captive means to reject thoughts that are not in tune with the truth and love and which reinforce our fears and anxiety.

More Practical Steps

• Replacing compulsive thoughts in the form of lies, threats, accusations or self-blame, temptations, etc., with the specific truth of God’s word.
• Initiative focusing on thoughts and statements that are in sync with the filter described above. This is how God encourages us to do this in Proverbs 3:21-26: “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” We also see here that the direct result of applying God’s anti-stress therapy is safety, stability, and freedom from fear and anxiety.
• Avoiding and refusing to speak out and repeat those thoughts that have not passed God’s filter test successfully. Instead, we should speak and express thoughts that are in harmony with the truths of God for a given situation.

The Key of Love

Even if we don’t know God’s word in detail, we can always decide to apply the basic truth of God’s character. That is the key of love. So we can filter the thoughts and the way we react.

Does what I think of myself and the situation in question correspond to the truth that God loves me? And that He is on my side and takes care of me? Or does the thought rather express my fears and show me a false and distorted reality? For example, that I am left alone or that God is angry and punishes me, and so on.

Exercising self-control in our thinking is a difficult discipline. However, the more we practice, the easier it gets. This is a pathway, a process in which supported by the grace and power of God, we can learn to apply God’s solution to our fears and concerns. The result is a free and joyful life in the mode for which we are created.

Your Turn

How are you doing in your thought life? In which areas do you experience major difficulties? Come, share your thoughts in the comments!

When we learn to apply the keys of truth and love to filter our thoughts, we can maintain peace and dispel fear and worries. #truth #love #mentalhealth Share on X

Our Anxiety and Pain Can Draw Us Near to God

Do you know we can use our worry, anxiety, and pain to draw near to God? Learn how we can do this in my book, “Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings.”

Let me take you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources and encouragement to help you combat worry and fear and focus your mind and heart on the Lord, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

Transforming Your Thought Life by Sarah Geringer

Numbering Our Days:  Combating Anxiety in the Power of Small Intentional Moments by Nichole J. Suvar

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365-Day Devotional by John Eldredge

The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips

Hope for the Hard Days by Sarah Geringer

Lean into Grace by Stacey Pardoe

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