Seven Exercises To Mental Wellness

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In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul provides not only the 1st Century Philippian brethren with the following seven exercises to mental wellness, but also to us living in the 21st Century:
  • “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (4:5a). This is a physical exercise. The Christian is not to be caught up in the extremes of the world. 
  • “The Lord is at hand” (4.5b). This is a mental exercise. Hebrews 13:5c states, “for he hath said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.'” The expression, “The Lord is at hand” indicates to the Christian that God will always be there for him in time of worry or depression. 
  • “Be careful in nothing” (4:6a). This is a mental and physical exercise. The word “careful” should really be translated “anxious” as indicated in the ASV-1901. Anxiety for the things of this life can become a big problem for the Christian. Jesus taught us to understand that God knows the things of which we have need and that he will supply those things if we but seek Him and His kingdom "first" (Matthew 6:25-34). 
  • “But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (4:6b). Here is a mental exercise. Prayer unburdens the Christian from the ceaseless parade of events about which he is concerned, but has no direct control. Prayer provides a means whereby the Christian may exercise a heart of thankfulness to the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider. 
  • “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (4:8). The exercise in this verse is mental. It is an exercise of focus upon the spiritual. It is the proactive exercise of the mind to think. 
  • “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do” (4:9a). Here is a physical exercise. When we have done everything that we need to do mentally to prepare ourselves for Christian service, we must make application. Paul says that his teaching and example constitute an example for us as well.
The grand conclusion to the above seven steps of mental health is found in the words, “and the God of peace shall be with you.” Not only do we have the assurance of the peace of God being with us, but also we have the assurance of the God of peace being with us. —Kevin Cauley

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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