the 21 day challenge: worry-proofing your mind

Thoughts and notes from the August 3 message, Worry Proofing Your Mind, the third and final sermon in the 21-Day Challenge series.

What we think about is what we become.

• Proverbs 4: 23
• 2 Corinthians 4: 16, 18
  

If you want to think like God thinks, you must think about the things of God. – Tommy Newberry

So how do we focus on the things of God?

• Develop a deep appreciation for a “good thing”. – James 1: 17
• Claim God’s promises for yourself and for your family. – Psalm 139: 14; Jeremiah 29: 11-13; Romans 8: 35, 37-39
• Focus as much on developing good habits as on correcting the bad habits.

Worry robs us of the joy of today.

I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened. - Mark Twain

Philippians 4: 6 turns into the promise of verse 7:

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The goal is not to stop worrying – but to change our way of thinking.

Finally, brothers, 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. – Philippians 4: 8

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character.Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
– Frank Outlaw

See the good things around you and point them out; say something about them.