As I have sought the Lord in this time for what I should write considering His Word for my brothers, sisters, and neighbors of Cassville, Missouri, I have been given Philippians 4 verses 4-8. It reads out of the English Standard Version this way: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Our author here, Paul, is encouraging the brothers to rejoice in their situations whatever they may be. Joy, which tends to be the key theme of the letter to the Philippians, is to be exhibited and experienced by all who would confess Christ.
This joy is shown through the Christian in their actions and interactions with all people daily. Joy replaces anxiety for the believer and so there should be no anxiety about anything.
When anxiety begins to infiltrate the mind he provides us with the cure, prayer. Paul offers further advice in dealing with anxiety by giving thought to, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise.”
By thinking of these things and encompassing it with prayer we can lead an anxiety free lifestyle.
So, in closing, how do you think you can relieve the anxieties in your life? Will you try to take matters in your own hands? Or will you simply rejoice, pray, and meditate on these things.
Nathan Toon is the pastor at Resurrection Church, located at 19320 State Highway 112 in Cassville. He may be reached at 417-200-2346.
