From Worry To Peace
Anxiety is an insecure reaction to a threatening situation. Prayer is a deliberate move towards the security of God’s protection.
When we start to dwell on our problems, we become grumpy and reoccupied. We may even become cruel to others. The good thoughts that Paul tells us to remember are not simple illusions, but the truly wonderful things God has done for us.
When we stay close to God in prayer and think about his goodness, we find that “God, who gives peace, will be with you” (4:5,9). Gratitude is a necessary ingredient in our prayers if they are to result in peace replacing anxiety as an emotional response to life. When we thank God for what he has done and is doing, it’s easier to trust him for the future.
Paul Encourages The Lord’s Followers
Philippians 4: 1-9
Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy.
Euodia and Syntyche, you belong to the Lord, so I beg you to stop arguing with each other. And, my faithful partner, I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with Clement and with me and with the others in spreading the good news. Their names are now written in the book of life.
Always be glad because of the Lord! I will repeat it: Be glad. Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with the peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.
