I recently went on a journey of spiraling thoughts. For months, I didn’t quite feel myself, and I even thought a trip (or two or three) to the doctor’s office would bring some clarity. That was not the case. I couldn’t get out of the overthinking and anxious cycle. Have you ever experienced this? Perhaps you find yourself in that situation right now. If you are, I want to encourage you that Jesus is right there with you in your boat. As you turn and see Him by your side, you’ll realize that you are rescued.

In my boat, it felt like the waves were growing larger. I didn’t want to be tossed back and forth in those waves because that would plunge my mind into a cycle of doubt. When I finally reached a state of surrender, I resolved to seek out and meditate on Scripture. As I spent time reading and reflecting, I felt a sense of hope rising within me. While studying the meanings of the words, I sensed life filling my being, and the feeling of being overwhelmed began to fade.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

The truth is, I’m okay. My thoughts don’t have to rock my boat. As soon as I turned to Jesus and the truth of His Word, I felt the calm washing over me.

There were times when I could have given up, but this verse rescued me. Perfect timing. Isn’t that just like the LORD? The Word of God will always rescue our thoughts. It’s just a matter of us fixing our focus there instead of on what’s troubling us. Don’t get me wrong – life is hard, and sometimes, we face challenges that shake us. However, I know that the Word always helps me regain my balance.

My visits with medical professionals didn’t provide the guidance I had hoped for. In that moment, God’s Word brought clarity to my thoughts. While I appreciate the support of healthcare providers and will continue to seek their help, it was God’s voice, speaking through Scripture, that calmed me during times of uncertainty.

How is your boat holding up? Are you struggling with huge waves that throw you off balance, or is it just the occasional wave that knocks you down and shakes your confidence? It’s important to focus on truth. I tried many different ways to manage my spiraling thoughts, but when I came across Philippians 4:8, it stopped me in my tracks and invited me to pause and reflect on what I should be thinking about.

Think on whatever is true . . . I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (We literally can take a Scripture verse daily and speak that truth over ourselves.)

Think on whatever is noble . . . Jesus.

Think on whatever is right . . . I choose kindness and love over myself and others today.

Think on whatever is pure . . . I think of listening to a friend speak recently. Her words were authentic.

Think on whatever is lovely . . . I reflect on the beauty of God’s creation – the new life of spring, the expanse of the sky, and the blooms.

Think about whatever is admirable . . . Thank you, Jesus, for making me brave enough to enter the new. I admire how you, Jesus, did everything just as the Father. I want to do the same.

If it is excellent or praiseworthy, I will think about those things.

I choose not to let spiraling thoughts rock my boat. We don’t have to look far for answers because Jesus is in the boat with us. I’m learning that I must turn to the truth when a thought is untrue and causing unease. I admit, sometimes my boat rocks back and forth because I stay in the thought too long, but I am growing toward pausing and learning that I can transform my thoughts.

Jesus Himself will always come to our rescue. He will rescue us from any thought as we look to Him and think on whatever is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy.