Worry Less And Pray More

Philippians 4:4-13

Today’s New Testament Scripture passage from the letter Paul wrote to the Philippian church contains several verses which many might have marked as favorites in their Bibles.  Let’s look and see what we can learn from these special verses what the Apostle Paul is teaching.

In verse 4 we read that Paul tells us to be always rejoicing.  Though rejoicing no matter what happens in our life seems kind of hard to do, the Philippians had witnessed the truth of this verse when Paul and Silas were wrongly beaten and whipped, and then sat, chained in a prison and sang praises to God in spite of everything (Acts 16:19-26).  God can bring good out of any situation when we praise Him.  Our inner joy does not have to be affected by outward circumstances.  Paul had joy no matter what because of Jesus.  Choose joy in spite of circumstances.

Next the Apostle Paul tells us not to worry, but to bring all of our concerns to God in prayer (vs. 6-7).  He has all power and all wisdom to handle all of our problems.  When we are submitted to Him, we have nothing to fear.  When we fret and worry, it shows a lack of trust in God.  God’s peace is a fruit from abiding in Him.  He gives a peace that passes all understanding.  God will give His child peace and tranquility when we trust and believe that He will do what’s best for us.  God will take away anxiety, fear, doubt, and distress.  We can be calm when the world is in turmoil.  He is in control.

Verse 8 is one that I frequently go to when I start thinking those depressive and negative thoughts that often hound me.  Negative or even sinful thoughts bring down one’s thinking.  Instead of dwelling on them, we should fill our mind with positive, wholesome thoughts, and especially the Word of God.  What is in our minds will determine our actions.  What Paul says we should do is replace all of the harmful and negative thoughts with the virtues he listed in this verse.  When temptation comes knocking, keep those thoughts in our mind, along with Scripture and prayer, otherwise it is very hard to resist.

In addition to guarding our thoughts, Paul urges us to follow the example of godly believers, as they follow God (vs. 9).  It’s not good enough to just read the Word of God.  We must also put it into practice.  James also tells us the same thing, to be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:22-25).

Paul wraps up this passage by sharing with his readers how that he knew how to get along with little, in humble circumstances, or how to live with prosperity (vs. 11-12).  He was content with whatever God sent his way.  Paul was yielded to Him, like how the clay yields to the Potter’s hands.  Notice in verse 11 that Paul used the word “learned”.  This wasn’t what came naturally to Paul, any more than it does to us.  With most of us, though, it is easier to murmur and complain about our situation then to be content with it.  Paul knew that to find contentment he needed to draw closer to God, as we need to do, as well.  He needed to learn this from staying in the Scriptures.  As we learn this contentment, God will give us the strength to do all that He asks us to do (vs. 13).  Without Jesus we can do nothing, but with Him, nothing is impossible.

Through this passage we see that God knows our needs, and promises to provide for them.  Trust in Him, with thanksgiving and contentment.  Keep our mind and heart focused on Jesus.  There is always something to be grateful for and rejoice over.  Fears flee when God is present, so let’s turn our worries into prayers.  Worry less and pray more.  God is in control!