The Bible tells us that we should not worry, but this is much esaier said than done. Some people struggle with chronic worry and anxiety disorders that are best helped by Christian counseling and an anxiety treatment plan based on biblical principles. But for many of us without an anxiety disorder, the worries of everyday life are still daunting and we need some help knowing how to stop worrying.

This message teaches the prescription Paul gives in Philippians for turning worry into peace. It's a process we will need to do repeatedly throughout our lives.

One of the tools mentioned in this message is the Philippians 4 card which you can download and print here. Keep them in your wallet, purse, car, or anywhere you will see one regularly. Give some to your friends! (Use this cutting guide if you need help trimming the cards.)

Write out your eight positive things to think about on the back of the card. When you struggle with worry, pull out the card and follow the five steps. Then turn the card over and spend time thinking about all the positive things you wrote down.

The great thing about this process is that, the more you do it, the more helpful it becomes in your life. Think of it like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it will grow. You will become more disciplined and consistent in handling your worries in a biblical way. Your troubles may not become easier, but your ability to deal with your worrying quickly will make them seem easier to handle.

We live in a world of polarizing opposites and pendulum-style decision making. But is there another option?

About a month ago I started using this Adjustable Vented Laptop Table for a couple of hours a day while at the office.

I still sit for most of my time at work but I switch my laptop to the standing desk once or twice a day to mix it up. I find that I focus better and get more accomplished when I switch between sitting and standing. It also mitigates the health detriments of sitting for several hours a day. When I'm at my standing desk I'm more likely to walk around occasionally to get something or (bonus here) clean something.

Two years ago today, Jenny and I posted about the greatest tragedy of our lives.

Over the last decade I’ve learned a lot of lessons about workplace communication. Here are three of the most helpful:

1. Always use a descriptive subject line for emails.

Emails are no longer mere digital letters, they have become reference tools, approval chains, task lists, and brainstorming seasons. Help your recipient get the basic idea of your email before they open it with a descriptive subject. As an added bonus, this will make the email chain much easier to search for and spot later on.

2. Save interruptions for emergencies.

It takes about 20 minutes for the mind to fully refocus on a project after being interrupted. Ask yourself the question: "Will something bad happen if this issue is not addressed immediately?" if the answer is "no," send an email or add to a meeting agenda for later.

3. Only use online chatting for quick-response questions and easy, urgent tasks.

Save more involved tasks and questions for email or face-to-face meetings. For most people, email inboxes function as a type of task list. If managed properly, the inbox will be regularly cleared and all emails processed. Chats have no inbox, so missed chats are often missed for good and not generally referenced again. Unless an issue can be resolved in a few seconds and must be dealt with immediately, just send an email. This let’s the person respond when they are able and adds it to their email “task-list.”

I talk with people every week who are unemployed or underemployed and seeking direction. If you are in that position, finding a steady job should be one of your highest priorities. You need to be willing to consider both short and long term options while seeking to care for yourself and, if applicable, your family. 

Don’t give up

Proverbs 6:6-11 tells us to be hard-working like the ants. Colossians 3:23 says that whatever we are doing, we should work at it with all our heart as if working for the Lord and not for people.

Turn your worries into prayer requests

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Think positively

Read Philippians 4:8, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT)

Remember that God cares about you, even in the hard times

Matthew 10:29-31 says, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Seek to grow personally in the middle of challenges

James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (NLT)

Think outside your box

You may have skills in a particular area, but don’t be too picky about where you work temporarily. You never know when a less than desirable job may lead to a few promotions and a great career! Regardless, you may need to “settle” for a less than desirable job temporarily to make ends meet until you can get connected with the job you would rather have. Don’t wait for that perfect job to drop in your lap, start doing something now!

Diversify your revenue streams

That’s a fancy way of saying: be willing to work at more than one job for a while! It could mean taking two or three part time jobs temporarily. Or, you might need to take a low-paying job and supplement the income with some odd jobs or contract based work. If you have skills in a particular area but cannot find steady work in that field, take an unrelated job that helps pay the bills and market your skills to appropriate companies as a contract or part time resource. This “moonlighting” work may get your foot in the door for a permanent position or help you make connections that lead to a job somewhere else. At the very least, it will keep your skills sharp and give you added experience for down the road.

Consider work from home opportunities

Some people view work from home jobs as a chance to get rich quick. Understand now that this does not happen! Working from home does not mean less work and it does not make you rich quick! What it can do is provide a modest amount of supplemental income when no other regular work is available.

Notes

Avoid jobs that require you to spend money in order to apply or join. It’s one thing to invest a small amount of money in tools or resources needed to get a job done, it is another thing to pay a business that will supposedly end up paying you. These are often scams, so always do your homework, check references, and stay away from opportunities that ask you to “buy in,” “invest,” or pay to become a small business owner. While these are not always fraudulent, most people end up losing more money than they make with these types of jobs.

Have any other tips or advice for those looking for work? Add your comments below!

We all have it. I’ve had it recently. Those days, weeks, or months when we just feel blah. Yet Jesus came to give life - abundant life; should that make a difference in how I think and act?