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Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying
“No Worries?” We lob the phrase at others, but lie awake at night ourselves. Ebola, the economy, our kids, our parents, our future. We struggle to pull our thoughts away from our worries, fears, and frustrations.
When we get stuck, it's not exactly easy to fixate on “whatever is true, noble, right and pure.” We are profoundly aware that our worries have negative consequences for our bodies, minds, and relationships. But like most real people with real problems, our thoughts keep swirling around the same old issues.
Mindscape builds a practical action plan for changing your mental landscape—and your life—based on Paul’s rich exhortation in Philippians 4:8. Author Tim Witmer draws from thirty years of experience in helping worried people apply Scripture to their lives to present a clear, biblical, and deeply pastoral guide to replacing worry with a new way of thinking.
Mindscape is not a self-help book or an academic tome on behavioral theory. It is a real-world guide to the transformation that Jesus works in us as we go to him in faith and ask for his power to change, to listen, and to think differently.
Chapter-by-chapter application questions make Mindscape perfect for personal reflection or small group use.
When we get stuck, it's not exactly easy to fixate on “whatever is true, noble, right and pure.” We are profoundly aware that our worries have negative consequences for our bodies, minds, and relationships. But like most real people with real problems, our thoughts keep swirling around the same old issues.
Mindscape builds a practical action plan for changing your mental landscape—and your life—based on Paul’s rich exhortation in Philippians 4:8. Author Tim Witmer draws from thirty years of experience in helping worried people apply Scripture to their lives to present a clear, biblical, and deeply pastoral guide to replacing worry with a new way of thinking.
Mindscape is not a self-help book or an academic tome on behavioral theory. It is a real-world guide to the transformation that Jesus works in us as we go to him in faith and ask for his power to change, to listen, and to think differently.
Chapter-by-chapter application questions make Mindscape perfect for personal reflection or small group use.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2014
81 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Z. Witmer
12 books7 followersTimothy Z. Witmer, MDiv, DMin is Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary where he serves as Coordinator of the Practical Theology Department and Director of Mentored Ministry and Master of Divinity Programs. He has also served for thirty-five years in pastoral ministry, most recently completing twenty-seven years of service at Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Upper Darby, PA having been designated Pastor Emeritus. Tim is the author of The Shepherd Leader and The Shepherd Leader at Home. He and his wife Barbara have threechildren, four grandchildren and reside in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 1, 2017
Proverbs 23:7 speaks of a person’s thought life: “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”
In other words, what we allow ourselves to worry about is an indicator of what we are really like. As the author bluntly states, “This can be pretty discouraging.”
Comparing the mind to a landscape and anxieties to weeds fighting for supremacy, Witmer poses the question, “If I’m not supposed to have anxious, worried, or fearful thoughts, what am I going to think about?”
This book, then, is a practical exposition of Philippians 4:4-8, honing in on verse 8: “...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence or if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
The problem is that biblical terms like “honorable,” “right,” and “good repute” seem abstract. The sense of dwelling “on these things” indicates that we need to delve deeply into what they actually mean. Each term listed in verse 8 is taken chapter by chapter and explored in its biblical context. Each chapter is also followed by discussion questions, making the book a practical guide for personal or group bible study.
The Christian has received the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). But there is the continual need to be “renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Eph. 4:23). A study of the attributes of God--or loving Him with all of one's mind--is an excellent place to start. We think aright when we think aright of God, who He is and what He’s done for us in Christ.
I have to remind myself that “Be anxious for nothing” is a command. In between the admonitions to pray with thanksgiving, and to cultivate godly thoughts, is the promise “and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
In other words, what we allow ourselves to worry about is an indicator of what we are really like. As the author bluntly states, “This can be pretty discouraging.”
Comparing the mind to a landscape and anxieties to weeds fighting for supremacy, Witmer poses the question, “If I’m not supposed to have anxious, worried, or fearful thoughts, what am I going to think about?”
This book, then, is a practical exposition of Philippians 4:4-8, honing in on verse 8: “...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence or if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
The problem is that biblical terms like “honorable,” “right,” and “good repute” seem abstract. The sense of dwelling “on these things” indicates that we need to delve deeply into what they actually mean. Each term listed in verse 8 is taken chapter by chapter and explored in its biblical context. Each chapter is also followed by discussion questions, making the book a practical guide for personal or group bible study.
The Christian has received the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). But there is the continual need to be “renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Eph. 4:23). A study of the attributes of God--or loving Him with all of one's mind--is an excellent place to start. We think aright when we think aright of God, who He is and what He’s done for us in Christ.
I have to remind myself that “Be anxious for nothing” is a command. In between the admonitions to pray with thanksgiving, and to cultivate godly thoughts, is the promise “and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
January 13, 2015
Jeff
Jan 08, 2015 Jeff rated it 2 of 5 stars
Shelves: suffering, worry
[Edit: I would give it 2.5 stars-This is a short overview of my thoughts. Please see others on Amazon for more in-depth analysis.]
I've read many books on worry and suffering and this isn't anything at all new, or as good as the old for that matter. I can see why some people are so cynical about new books coming out. I'm afraid I bought into some hype and stellar blurbs (from people I have a lot of respect for) and bought this one rather impulsively.
The author is a pastor and on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary. His material is sound. He uses Philippians 4:8 as a model of what to think about, which is obviously Scriptural. It's just nothing different or meaty. It's also written for people who are younger Christians and possibly new to the whole idea of dealing with worry and anxiety. I can't fault him for the target audience. I just wish I would have known that beforehand.
I skimmed it in an evening [Edit: meaning I took a whole evening to skim or read every page--it's what skimming means to me] because I could clearly see after reading the first portion and trying to give it a chance that I didn't want to spend time reading every word. Even so I don't think the concept of providence, which I think is key, was dealt with, although sovereignty certainly was. I think the quotes were the best part of the book--Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, Owen, etc.
I'm finding that good books on theology are usually better than books on suffering and anxiety, although I won't totally give up on them. For now, I will stick to the Puritans or books that have stood the test of time, unless I get a free Kindle book that looks especially good.
Jan 08, 2015 Jeff rated it 2 of 5 stars
Shelves: suffering, worry
[Edit: I would give it 2.5 stars-This is a short overview of my thoughts. Please see others on Amazon for more in-depth analysis.]
I've read many books on worry and suffering and this isn't anything at all new, or as good as the old for that matter. I can see why some people are so cynical about new books coming out. I'm afraid I bought into some hype and stellar blurbs (from people I have a lot of respect for) and bought this one rather impulsively.
The author is a pastor and on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary. His material is sound. He uses Philippians 4:8 as a model of what to think about, which is obviously Scriptural. It's just nothing different or meaty. It's also written for people who are younger Christians and possibly new to the whole idea of dealing with worry and anxiety. I can't fault him for the target audience. I just wish I would have known that beforehand.
I skimmed it in an evening [Edit: meaning I took a whole evening to skim or read every page--it's what skimming means to me] because I could clearly see after reading the first portion and trying to give it a chance that I didn't want to spend time reading every word. Even so I don't think the concept of providence, which I think is key, was dealt with, although sovereignty certainly was. I think the quotes were the best part of the book--Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, Owen, etc.
I'm finding that good books on theology are usually better than books on suffering and anxiety, although I won't totally give up on them. For now, I will stick to the Puritans or books that have stood the test of time, unless I get a free Kindle book that looks especially good.
March 29, 2025
Correct, sans plus.
Pour un public chrétien évangélique plutôt conservateur, il coche toutes les cases, mais ça ne veut pas dire que le livre n’aurait pas dû rester une série de sermons ou une série d’articles dans un blogue.
La plus-value du livre, c’est la notion qu’elle avance de l’influence de nos pensées et de celle de notre responsabilité vis-à-vis celles-ci. Alors que le salut se fait immédiatement, le changement du paysage de notre esprit se fait lentement et intentionnellement, main dans la main avec Dieu. Pour un lectorat non habitué à penser de la sorte et de faire le lien avec la Bible, il a son utilité, surtout avec le ton pastoral très prononcé. Cependant, rien d’innovant dans la thèse. C’est un thème qui revient constamment dans les ouvrages de relation d’aide. L’originalité du livre est plutôt dans son application du fameux verset, Philippiens 4.8. J’ai grandement apprécié les quelques compilations de l’auteur sur le sens de certains mots grecs. Une interprétation de l’évangile très classique dans la tradition évangélique est clairement articulée.
Cependant la grande faiblesse du livre était dans son manque d’appui scientifique qui aurait pu bonifier certains propos et améliorer son lien avec le réel. (Non pas que la Bible n’aborde pas le réel, mais qu’elle ne le décrit pas de façon empirique. On est tous d’accord que ce n’est pas son but.) Sa bibliographie ne contient que des écrits évangéliques (commentaires, livres dévotionelles, articles de blogue, livres chrétiens populaires). Vraiment? On parle d’inquiétudes et on ne pense même pas à explorer un peu ce qu’on (au sens collectif du terme) sait déjà sur le phénomène? L’auteur est quand même prof. Il y a aussi le problème de la présence de clichés populaires américains et des raisonnements pas toujours complètement vrais qui gâchent le livre (à mon avis).
Ce livre contient une excellente idée de structure pour une série de sermon et quelques illustrations à recycler mais sinon il y a d’autres auteurs qui abordent mieux le sujet.
Pour un public chrétien évangélique plutôt conservateur, il coche toutes les cases, mais ça ne veut pas dire que le livre n’aurait pas dû rester une série de sermons ou une série d’articles dans un blogue.
La plus-value du livre, c’est la notion qu’elle avance de l’influence de nos pensées et de celle de notre responsabilité vis-à-vis celles-ci. Alors que le salut se fait immédiatement, le changement du paysage de notre esprit se fait lentement et intentionnellement, main dans la main avec Dieu. Pour un lectorat non habitué à penser de la sorte et de faire le lien avec la Bible, il a son utilité, surtout avec le ton pastoral très prononcé. Cependant, rien d’innovant dans la thèse. C’est un thème qui revient constamment dans les ouvrages de relation d’aide. L’originalité du livre est plutôt dans son application du fameux verset, Philippiens 4.8. J’ai grandement apprécié les quelques compilations de l’auteur sur le sens de certains mots grecs. Une interprétation de l’évangile très classique dans la tradition évangélique est clairement articulée.
Cependant la grande faiblesse du livre était dans son manque d’appui scientifique qui aurait pu bonifier certains propos et améliorer son lien avec le réel. (Non pas que la Bible n’aborde pas le réel, mais qu’elle ne le décrit pas de façon empirique. On est tous d’accord que ce n’est pas son but.) Sa bibliographie ne contient que des écrits évangéliques (commentaires, livres dévotionelles, articles de blogue, livres chrétiens populaires). Vraiment? On parle d’inquiétudes et on ne pense même pas à explorer un peu ce qu’on (au sens collectif du terme) sait déjà sur le phénomène? L’auteur est quand même prof. Il y a aussi le problème de la présence de clichés populaires américains et des raisonnements pas toujours complètement vrais qui gâchent le livre (à mon avis).
Ce livre contient une excellente idée de structure pour une série de sermon et quelques illustrations à recycler mais sinon il y a d’autres auteurs qui abordent mieux le sujet.
July 30, 2017
What do we think about? What takes up the thinking spaces in our minds? Often worry, envy, fear, anger dominate our thoughts. The author Witmer highlights each chapter with a list of vistas from the book of Philippians 4:8 that should/could occupy our thoughts. He brings depth to the discussion by defining each vista, or thought concepts, how the old vista interferes with our own spiritual and mental health, how the new vista (such as truth, loveliness, etc.) impacts our lifescape. Each chapter ends with "Food For Thought," questions that lead to change and action. This book would make an excellent study with a small group. This is a book I should reread.
June 11, 2017
The good: The last chapter was good. I like that there are "food for thought" questions at the end of each chapter, which is nice for a book study. There were some encouraging statements scattered throughout the book.
The bad: It might be an overstatement to say that the best part of the book was the cool-looking cover. I think that there should be a subtitle added: "A Beginner's Guide." The writing seemed at such a popular level. The best parts of the book were quotations of Scripture.
The bad: It might be an overstatement to say that the best part of the book was the cool-looking cover. I think that there should be a subtitle added: "A Beginner's Guide." The writing seemed at such a popular level. The best parts of the book were quotations of Scripture.
April 22, 2025
Abandoned halfway through.
The question "what should I think about instead of worrying" is one that sorely needs answering.
Unfortunately, this book offers little practical help. It reads like a paper written to satisfy a sound but sterile rubric.
There’s nothing wrong here, per se… but someone struggling with worry needs more than just riffing on a Bible verse. Yes it's Scripture, so there is power in it... but if that's your threshold, just meditate on Phil. 4:8.
The question "what should I think about instead of worrying" is one that sorely needs answering.
Unfortunately, this book offers little practical help. It reads like a paper written to satisfy a sound but sterile rubric.
There’s nothing wrong here, per se… but someone struggling with worry needs more than just riffing on a Bible verse. Yes it's Scripture, so there is power in it... but if that's your threshold, just meditate on Phil. 4:8.
April 30, 2019
I stopped about 40% into the book. This is really just a basic Christian-living book. Other than simple reminders, there isn’t really any insight here for someone who has followed Christ for more than a few years. Maybe my anxiety and worry are bigger than this book was designed for, but it offered no insight or paths out of it that couldn’t have been done from a basic Bible study.
August 25, 2017
Wasn't rememberable.
July 21, 2018
I use so much of what I read in Mindscape and the way I think of things or situations. I have really been blessed by what Timothy Z. Witmer wrote and all the scriptures he referenced.
June 14, 2020
A practical application of Philippians 4:8 and how our thinking can affect our worry.
October 21, 2020
This was a good book. Easy to read and full of practical takeaways.
January 10, 2017
Mindscape is the word used by Timothy Z. Witmer to describe the landscape of our minds. Is it a beautiful landscape full of pleasant thoughts or has it become overgrown by the weeds of worry and other negative thoughts?
According to the author, “Worry weeds are stubborn. If something isn’t done they can overtake our whole mindscape and impact all that we do. . . . Our worry weeds can begin to take over our minds the way kudzu is taking over parts of the United States.” The task of changing the landscape of our mind can seem overwhelming if things have gotten out of control. As the author says, “It is not just enough to rip out the weeds of your mindscape—because you can be sure that if you don’t replace them with something better, they will grow back with a vengeance.” With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can excavate the old and re-create a new landscape so we have a beautiful mind—the mind of Christ.
In Mindscape, the author takes readers on a tour of a beautiful mind, according to Philippians 4:6-9 (“Fix your thoughts on what is true…”). I’ve heard this passage taught many times, but this was the most thorough and intriguing explanation I’ve ever read. It’s easy to look at that list of virtuous thoughts and wonder what’s really there to think about. It doesn’t seem concrete enough. But the author takes these abstract concepts one by one to develop them into something practical and applicable to my thought life.
If you struggle with worry or other negative thoughts, Mindscape is worth a read.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
According to the author, “Worry weeds are stubborn. If something isn’t done they can overtake our whole mindscape and impact all that we do. . . . Our worry weeds can begin to take over our minds the way kudzu is taking over parts of the United States.” The task of changing the landscape of our mind can seem overwhelming if things have gotten out of control. As the author says, “It is not just enough to rip out the weeds of your mindscape—because you can be sure that if you don’t replace them with something better, they will grow back with a vengeance.” With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can excavate the old and re-create a new landscape so we have a beautiful mind—the mind of Christ.
In Mindscape, the author takes readers on a tour of a beautiful mind, according to Philippians 4:6-9 (“Fix your thoughts on what is true…”). I’ve heard this passage taught many times, but this was the most thorough and intriguing explanation I’ve ever read. It’s easy to look at that list of virtuous thoughts and wonder what’s really there to think about. It doesn’t seem concrete enough. But the author takes these abstract concepts one by one to develop them into something practical and applicable to my thought life.
If you struggle with worry or other negative thoughts, Mindscape is worth a read.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
February 7, 2023
This book was a disappointing read for me. It was ok for what it was. I just didn’t realize it was such a beginner book on the topic. This was really a book for new believers about how to live now that they have become followers of Jesus. I had expected more of a deep dive into the thought life and a penetrating analysis of how to change in given areas (worry in particular) - but honestly this book didn’t have a lot to say about these things.
I have to agree with another reviewer that unfortunately, the best thing about this book is the catchy title and well designed cover. (Wish I would have read the reviews before committing to the read on this one.) There were several meaty quotes from some dead authors I love - and I did enjoy the quotes - but instead, I just wanted to read those books rather than this one. As another reviewer says, the subtitle for this should really clarify that it’s a book for new believers - something like ‘A Book for New Christians.’
I have to agree with another reviewer that unfortunately, the best thing about this book is the catchy title and well designed cover. (Wish I would have read the reviews before committing to the read on this one.) There were several meaty quotes from some dead authors I love - and I did enjoy the quotes - but instead, I just wanted to read those books rather than this one. As another reviewer says, the subtitle for this should really clarify that it’s a book for new believers - something like ‘A Book for New Christians.’
December 19, 2014
This is a very accessible, helpful, and useful book. As a member of Tim's longtime church family (Crossroads), I fondly recognize many of the examples and illustrations in the text, and I am pleased to see them going forth in this book as a help to a broader audience/readership. Most importantly, however, I love how Tim saturates his text with Scripture, and clearly presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ over and over again.
June 5, 2015
Worry is a constant battle for many. The Bible tells us not to be anxious about anything…but how do we do that? What do we think about instead? Witmer guides us through Philippians 4:6-8, explaining God’s antidote to anxiety. While Witmer’s analysis and solution are thoroughly Scriptural, the book itself reads a bit dry and overly long. More vigilant editing would have helped. As it stands, Witmer has given a useful, if not always engaging, resource.
April 14, 2016
This is an excellent little book focusing on changing our thoughts to what is right and good. Changing the patterns of our thinking to line up with God's word. I would recommend this book along with Elizabeth George's "Loving God with all Your Mind". Both will challenge you to "set your mind on things above".
August 27, 2016
Good book to begin 'thinking about what we are thinking about" and not just regarding worry.
Captivating reading on the Calvary Road. An Expository teaching on the foundational passage, Philippians 4:8.
Captivating reading on the Calvary Road. An Expository teaching on the foundational passage, Philippians 4:8.
October 12, 2016
Good book that shows the reader how to think based on Scripture. However, the title is misleading in that it really isn't a book designed to target worry and anxiety - but general Christian-like thinking. The author does point this out in the final chapter.
April 2, 2018
Solid Read
This book was so well written. It's a though priming read that I recommend for anyone who wants some spiritual guidance, and we all need that. Everybody worries at points in life. You certainly won't regret giving this some time.
This book was so well written. It's a though priming read that I recommend for anyone who wants some spiritual guidance, and we all need that. Everybody worries at points in life. You certainly won't regret giving this some time.
July 8, 2019
Heard this guy interviewed and liked how he spoke and thought. I wasn't as taken with his writing. Useful enough. Just not as indepth as I would have liked.
Subject much broader than worry. More about healthy thinking taken from Phil 4:8
Subject much broader than worry. More about healthy thinking taken from Phil 4:8
January 30, 2015
A challenging book that reminds us that what we think comes out in our words and actions. Very practical with good study questions to help you make real changes.
April 28, 2016
Good Book. I enjoyed it. Applies to much more than worry.
November 18, 2016
3.5 out of 5 stars. This is a short, but excellent, exposition on Philippians 4:8. It is a good reminder of how we can ease our worry by dwelling on those things that God tells us to.
October 7, 2025
Bought new depth to Philippians 4:5-7. Not that our anxieties will go away at that instant, but bringing to remembrance the rich truths about God will surely give us peace in the midst of trials.
April 28, 2017
A great exposition of two little verses in Philippians 4:8-9. I felt like I learned a lot about what the mind should look like, but I felt that weren't a lot of practical steps on how to do that. So while I appreciated the encouragement and the vision for what a beautiful Mindscape should be, I felt like he could've spent more time talking about how we can develop it. The application was the weakest part.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews