Life today is filled with so many worries, so many cares. The world has been dealing with a pandemic for about two years now, with new variants frequently popping up. There are shootings every day on the streets of big cities, and we continue to hear of them in schools. Natural disasters with killer tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes happen with great frequency. Then there are our own, personal problems we deal with - financial issues, health concerns, problems on the job, and relationship issues. These, and so many others, plague us every day, and have even become a concern for young people. Knowing this, how can we possibly heed the message that Paul has for us today from the final chapter of his letter to the Philippians? How can we possibly rejoice, as he tells us? Let’s take a look.
The Apostle Paul endured many trials throughout his life. He was no stranger to all sorts of difficulties and hardships. The Philippians saw this firsthand, as both Paul and his assistant Silas were unjustly scourged and imprisoned in the city of Philippi (Acts 16:12-40). Yet in the middle of those circumstances, they rejoiced and sang hymns. So when Paul tells us to rejoice no matter what, he knows what he’s talking about (vs. 4).
Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus was with him. Ultimately, joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. We don’t necessarily rejoice for all things, but we can rejoice in all things. We can praise God no matter what, because we know the Lord will redeem our situation for our good and His glory if we trust Him.
As Paul continues on, he urges us not to be anxious or worry about anything (vs. 6). Fretting and worrying indicates a lack of trust in God. When we struggle on our own with problems, worry and anxiety will creep in. We will become tired and exhausted struggling with these issues on our own. Instead, we need to lift our concerns to God in prayer. He, alone, has the answers, and will set us free. Delighting in God, and meditating on His Word are a great antidote to anxiety. We do not need to worry, because God has promised us that he will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). And we know that God’s boundless blessings will never run out.
Faith-driven prayers to God are never a wasted commodity. The Lord encourages His children to come to Him, and call on Him. He will not turn us away, nor will He think our need is too trivial. God cares about every single detail of our life. Nothing is too big. Nothing is too small. We can tell God what we need, thank Him, and receive His peace.
When we put our trust in God, and stop worrying about our problems, He promises to give us His peace, one that is beyond our understanding (vs. 7). Inner calm and peace is promised to the believer who has a thankful attitude, and an unwavering confidence that God is able and willing to do what is best for them. When we are trusting in Him, we can be confident and calm, even in the midst of turmoil. God’s peace will guard us from anxiety, doubt, fear, and distress. Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for His peace. This is a choice we should make, as well.
Where do our worries come from? They come from our mind, our thoughts. Paul tells us to instead, keep our thoughts centered on good and positive things (vs. 8-9). If we dwell on negative or sinful thoughts, our thinking degenerates. We need to fill our minds with the holy and acceptable things of God. What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. We need to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Replace the harmful and impure with something wholesome. It is not enough to just read or hear God’s Word. Paul tells us that we need to put it into practice (vs. 9). Scripture must lead to obedience, and then He will bless us with peace.
The key to having a mind full of peace, instead of one full of fear and anxiety, is to first have a trusting heart (Isaiah 26:3). If we are truly trusting Jesus, we don’t need to spend all of our time thinking about problems. Instead, we can be thinking of the good things He blesses us with, and letting His thoughts and Word occupy our mind. We can worry less by praying more. Let’s turn our worries into prayers!
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