A Carefree Mind

Background Scripture: Philippians 4; Matthew 6
Lesson Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8; Matthew 6:25-34

Introduction

Trouble, worry, and care are a very real part of our human experience. We generally have little control over major events that shape the course of our lives. We did not choose the day of our birth and must not choose the day of our death. In the period of time called life we are to navigate through this chaotic, evil world, somehow avoiding the snares of evil while providing sustenance and care for ourselves and those we are responsible for. Many times the pressure on our minds can become great, and heaviness of heart can make us stoop (Prov. 12:25). God is very aware of our challenges and has given us hope and an anchor through his Word, spoken by prophet, apostle, and his very own Son.

Key Verse

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Pet. 5:7).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In his letter to the believers at Philippi, Paul was thanking the church there for their concern and care for him. He commends them for their benevolence and expresses his love for them. His solicitude even extends to an interest in their mental health, with references made to minds, thoughts, and cares in the fourth chapter.

Scholars have noted that the Greek word for joy, chara, and its translated variants (joy, rejoicing) occur more than a dozen times in Philippians. When we ponder the fact that this letter was written from prison while awaiting trial and possible execution, its joyful tone takes on even greater significance—no self-reflecting analyzation, no intellectual quantifying, no bitter rumination on his unpleasant and undeserved circumstances, but joy. Knowing his mind was kept by God’s peace and that he handled all things through Christ, he was not afraid of what was going to happen. The well-known themes for guiding our thoughts in the eighth verse of our lesson scripture were obviously more than mere theory to him. He had learned to discipline his mind and urged the Philippians to do the same.

Jesus also reminded his hearers that their heavenly Father was aware of their earthly needs, and He taught them the futility of anxiety about things they could not change. If we are so helpless that we cannot change our height or natural hair color, we, too, should take our place under the umbrella of the constant care of God as do the lilies and birds, knowing that we are “much better than they.”

It is important that Jesus prefaced and concluded his teaching on God’s divine provision with exhortations against self-righteousness, self-reliance, double-mindedness, and love for the world. We are not to do our alms, praying, or fasting in such a way that brings honor to ourselves. We are to lay up treasure in heaven, having a single eye and an undivided commitment to God; if in this manner we seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, we have the promise of his care.

Practical Truths for Today

The day in which we live lends itself to an increasing awareness of mental health, and much emphasis is placed on strategies to maintain mental equilibrium. With this topic garnering much discussion, advertisement, and promotion of many therapies that promise relief, have we unknowingly moved our faith away from the gospel? Where are we going for answers?

As Christians, we believe that the Word of God has direction and instruction for anything we may face. The advancements made in technology, communication, and readily available information are not specifically addressed in the Bible. Part of our responsibility, then, in serving the present age, is applying the tenor of the Scripture to guide us in discerning a safe way through this present, evil world.

A carefree mind will not be found among the innovations of the age. Remember, mental health is not a new issue to God. The Bible speaks clearly and directly about our minds, thoughts, cares, and worries. Reaping the benefits promised will require self-denial and the surrender of our will as in any other area of life. We have been given the power of choice and free will to choose what we fill our minds with. God has not left us helpless at the mercy of wrong thoughts.

What are the first steps in maintaining a carefree mind? An open way to God is very important. A guilty conscience will significantly weigh upon our minds and hinder our faith in God’s promises. If deep down we know we are not fully committed, or there are areas in our life where we are unwilling to walk in the light, we will be trying to carry a burden without God’s power to help us.

Our minds were not designed to process the 24/7 news cycle of today, where the problems of the whole world are delivered right into our personal space. Nor were we intended to measure our lives by approval through social media. Even secular researchers warn that social media is a driver of depression among young people. The mental strain that comes from needing to post new content to keep up our image is destructive to our spiritual and psychological health.

We serve the Lord by faith, not intellect alone. Faith always moves us to action. Releasing our cares, taking possession of our thoughts, commending our spirits to God, and trusting Him for daily grace are acts of a will that has chosen to place full confidence in the veracity of the Word of God. We are promised forgiveness of sins, strength for the day, peace in our hearts, and God’s material provision if we seek his kingdom first. If our minds are overcharged and we cannot seem to find rest, perhaps our thinking needs to be realigned with the Word. When concern for things not promised by God in the first place distracts our minds, we experience anxiety. Though sometimes we may be in a time of difficulty, our faith will lead us back to rest upon its Author and Finisher.

The true Christian is a pilgrim and stranger. Accumulating wealth and building an empire is not our purpose here, so the stress that comes with these things is eliminated. We are looking for a city with eternal foundations not made with hands. We must look at this world as a battleground and not a playground and believe God has a unique service for us while on this earth. Divine grace abounds to then accomplish it. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (Ps. 112:7). God will supply what is needed for us to continue upon earth until our time of service is over.

We were created in God’s image in the beginning, and through the gospel there is power for us to take on the spirit and nature of Christ Himself. We will not find rest for our souls in any other pursuit. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Questions

1. Are cares and anxiety the same thing?
2. Are poor people generally happier than the rich? (Eccles. 5:12).
3. Does getting what I want out of life give me joy? Should it?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).