Hello Church Family,
We live in a time of uncertainty. During times like these, it’s easy to fall into the trap of worry and anxiousness. We’re tempted to worry about world events, family, safety, politics, or any number of things. This led me to revisit a passage of scripture that has helped me tremendously through the years – Philippians 4:4-9. As I was reading this passage and reviewing some sermon notes from a few years ago, I was reminded in a fresh way the instructions God gives us through Paul to follow in dealing with worry and anxiety.
Webster’s Dictionary defines worry as “thinking about problems or fears: to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.” Worry can be crippling if we let it. It can consume us. It can steal our joy and take away our peace. So, what can we do about it? Paul answers that question for us in Philippians 4:4-7.
Philippians 4:4–7 (CSB)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
If I were to summarize this passage, I would do it in six words. Worry about nothing, pray about everything. In addition to memorizing and reciting those six words, there are actions we can take that will help us avoid the trap of worry.
First, in verse 4 Paul tells us to “rejoice.” We should worry about nothing, pray about everything, and rejoice. In place of worry, spend time rejoicing in the Lord and enjoying the life He’s given you. Think about the blessings God has given you. Focus on and thank God for those blessings.
In addition, verse 5 tells us to relax. Worry about nothing, pray about everything, and relax. The word translated as “graciousness” in verse five literally means “gentleness,” or “easy.” We would say, “easygoing.” It’s the idea of a relaxed state of mind. Put simply, sometimes we just need to lighten up. So much of what we worry about never actually happens. So, we need to relax and rest in the Lord. God is in control and he will take care of you and your uncertain circumstances.
Next, we need to rest in the Lord. Worry about nothing, pray about everything, and rest. When Paul mentions peace as a guard in verse 7, he uses a military term for a soldier marching guard duty around something valuable and/or strategic. As we present our requests to God and transfer our troubles to Him, peace is appointed the duty of marching as a silent guard around our minds and our emotions, calming our hearts. And this peace is so powerful it will “surpass all human comprehension.”
Worry about nothing, pray about everything.
Give each worry, one by one, to God. Do that right now. Tell the Lord you will no longer keep your anxiety to yourself. Spend time meditating on God’s Word and His faithfulness. God takes care of us and protects us, even when we are unaware. As we rejoice, relax, and rest, He relives, renews and restores.
Sincerely,
Pastor Allen