“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)
Today’s verse may be the most overlooked one of this whole passage on “faith to feelings.” But Paul’s instructions on how to take control of our emotions – especially our worry – isn’t complete without it.
So far: Don’t stay worried. Instead, be intentional about giving your requests and thanksgiving to God. Then God’s peace will come to free your hearts and minds. Use that freedom to think about good things.
Finally: Get out there and do good things. Paul uses his teachings and example to sum up what it means to live as a Christian. Put it into practice, he writes. The final step to controlling your emotions involves taking action. Maintain your peace by getting out of your head and into doing good.
Think: Have you ever noticed that acting on what God’s Word teaches helps you to feel better emotionally? Have you been putting off obeying God or doing something he’s called you to do? What would it take to get out there and do that thing this week?
Pray: Ask God to help you to put into practice what you’ve learned from his Word.
Do: Make a quick list of three things you’ve learned from God’s Word that you could do today or this week.