Change Your Thoughts, Change Your World By Bobby SchullerSample

Have you ever noticed how relaxed our Savior was? The Gospels show us this repeatedly. Dallas Willard frequently used this word to describe Jesus. He was relaxed when he walked through a mob that was trying to kill him (Luke 4:28–30). He was relaxed and unhurried when others were pressuring him to be somewhere sooner (John 11:3–6). He also loved naps! The guy took a nap in a storm while the disciples were totally losing their minds from fear (Matt. 8:24–25)! (Next time your spouse teases you for taking a nap, just tell them you are trying to be more Christlike.) Even before Jesus famously turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple, he took time to braid a whip (John 2:15). And after that he began healing people. Why? Because Jesus was and is relaxed. He’s our role model for a relaxed mind.

When we put on the mind of Christ, we also take on his characteristics of peace, tranquility, assurance, and grace. When we have a relaxed mind, we take on more than a good feeling. We have clearer vision because we are able to step back and see what is happening without feeling rattled or impulsive.

Clearer vision makes the relaxed person a better leader. It’s been said that the “non-anxious presence” in the room is always the one to lead. In a building with a fire, when everyone is scared or screaming, the calm woman who says in a relaxed but direct way, “Everyone, it’s okay. We are going out this door and down the steps. Wait on the curb for the fire department to arrive,” is the one everyone will listen to. She is the non-anxious, relaxed leader.

You have every reason to relax because God cares for you, he loves you, and he will get you through whatever you’re facing. God cares about the things you’re worried about. He cares about your anxiety. . . .

Though we can’t see it, God knows what we need and will help us when we need him. He loves us! God loves birds and he loves his creation, but he loves you most of all. We don’t have to spend every day wondering if we are attractive enough, successful enough, or even whether he will meet our needs, because he will.

Peace is already ours. We just have to accept it.