In Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 hit song, ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’, the catchy refrain – don’t worry, be happy – offers a remedy to whatever trouble life may bring… Would that it were so simple!
The reality of our human experience shows that emotions are somewhat complex and do not respond to the instant click of a switch or even verbal commands. Not as though emotions can’t change, they can… and actually do, but only through a more intentional process over a period of time.
Mindscape is a book that delves into one of such intentional processes, particularly the prescribed option for the Christian. Whilst it starts off on a similar note as McFerrin, dissuading readers from worrying, it goes down a different path to offer more than a simplistic substitute. As the book subtitle makes clear, readers are presented with “what to think about instead of worrying”.
In this very practical book, author Timothy Z. Witmer does not offer wisdom from personal experience in isolation, experience gained over 35 years of pastoral ministry; rather, he draws from Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
True to the above exhortation, the book traces out the link between ‘mindscape’ and ‘lifescape’, i.e., a new way of thinking that leads to a new way of living where worries and fears are replaced by a growing trust in God’s care and love. Whilst all the six adjectives listed (true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable) are regular English words with nonspiritual meanings, they take on richer dimensions when viewed through the lens of truth as defined by God. With a chapter devoted to each of the six traits, referred to in the book as vistas of a new mindscape, readers are taken on a tour of the truly beautiful mind. Each chapter concludes with appropriate memory verses and a series of questions that provoke more thought and opportunity to practically apply the knowledge gained.
No quick fixes.
Because we live in an imperfect world where life circumstances that warrant worry are almost inevitable, we are faced with the question “what would we do with those legitimate worries?” If you’re in search of a quick fix to solve the problem of worry, you probably wouldn’t benefit much from this book. But if you’re in for the long haul, seeking true and lasting peace, then you will be greatly helped by the biblical wisdom distilled into this 172-page book. It is quite easy to read, even more so with a good helping of stories and light-hearted expressions that drive home the point.
Reading Mindscape gave me a much needed reminder and encouragement to take my worries where they belong – at the foot of the cross.
Don’t worry, be happy? Don’t worry, be thoughtful, more like perhaps.
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga.