“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”–Prov. 4:23
For the Christian, this is one of the most important verses in the Bible. What we harbor in our heart affects us in every way. We live in a wicked world in troublesome times and the struggle for peace is often difficult. Seeing that the world is so bad it is easy to lose sight of the good. Due to our difficulties it is easy to develop a morbid outlook on life–nothing seems to make us happy. A part of the problem is that we feel our negative thoughts are justified. We tell ourselves that since we ought to be concerned about matters of such a serious nature that it is okay to be miserable– and express it. That’s a struggle we all face. The question is, how do you dismiss from your mind those troubling, painful, depressing thoughts that sap you of your energy, depress your spirit, rob you of peace, and steal your joy?
Fortunately the Bible gives us the answer—it is the answer. In Phil. 4:4-9 Paul gives us the path to “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding“(vs. 7). By thinking on things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, “the God of peace shall be with you“(vs. 9) and the “peace of God—shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus“(vs. 7). Then you will be able to “Rejoice in the Lord alway“(vs. 4). Notice that all of the things he mentions relate to Christ in that they are descriptive of His excellence, and may be summed up in His name. While it is not possible to escape the difficulties of life it is possible to endure them, if we keep “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith“(Heb. 12:2). We are defeated and depressed only when we cease to consider Him. As soon as you feel depression coming on, find a quiet place, open your Bible, and think on these things. It will make a difference.
