Philippians 4:6-8
So, what is Paul talking about? What is he actually trying to communicate to the believers in Philippi? Is he preaching a carefree lifestyle, or the possibility of living without a single fear? No. Paul is talking about the kind of lifestyle that surrenders our anxieties to Christ, rather than retaining them within ourselves. If we look at this verse in light of the context in which it is written we see Paul talking about a life that focuses on praising, praying, and perceiving the world around us correctly.
Paul begins this passage by writing, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Phil. 4:4-5)” First and foremost we are to always remember to rejoice in the Lord. Paul is not promoting a baseless pleasure, rather, a joyfulness that is soundly based in the Lord. This is not only our duty as believers, but it is our reward as well. The Psalmist declares, “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).” Learning how to take joy in the Lord in all circumstances is one of the hardest, yet most important duties a Christian will ever carry out. Without it, we can never learn what it is to be anxious about nothing.
With this established, Paul tells his readers, “Be anxious for nothing,” but follows it up quickly with “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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “ One of the blessings of prayer is that it redirects our focus from the world around us, to the one who created the world. Or, as I like to say, it shifts our attention from “I” to the great “I AM”. The other blessing of prayer is that it illuminates our minds with God’s truth. It is fair to say that any problem void of the Holy Spirit’s illumination only aims to remove God from the equation. John Newton, the Anglican clergyman and author of the hymn Amazing Grace, believed in the power of prayer. You can see this in the marvelous hymn that he taught his church: “Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring; for His grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much." This is our God, an awesome God, and a God that answers prayer. Do you seek knowledge and wisdom? Do you desire freedom from anxiety? Then seek his presence before anything else, with a humbled and contrite heart, cast your desires upon Him and He will provide all that you seek.
As a final point Paul write, “Finally, brother, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy- thing about such things. (v 8)” We live outwardly that which we live in our hearts. Therefore, it is imperative that we hunt for the good in all that life brings your way. Without this it is impossible to offer up true and honest praise and being “anxious about nothing” becomes impossible. This will not come naturally and must be practiced daily. We must make this a discipline in our life. From the time that we wake to the time that we lie down, we must continually hunt for the good. When we are able to see all that is noble, all that is right, all that is pure, lovely, admirable and worthy or praise, then we will have the anxiety free life that Paul spoke about.
Sometimes our everyday trials make this verse difficult to grasp. However, this life that Paul speaks about is the result of correctly praising, praying, and perceiving the world around us. We will obtain this when we come before Him in thanksgiving and adoration; laying our requests at His feet in full assurance of faith; and believing that God not only cares for us, but is able and willing to help. It comes when we turn to Him for the answer, rather than away from Him in search of our own. The anxiety free life doesn’t mean we won’t have worries or concerns, it simply means that these worries will lead us to Him and not away from Him. [mp]
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Michael D'Urbano
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If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and God, or maybe you just need to rededicate you life to Him; I encourage you to click HERE and pray this simple prayer. Do not allow another moment of your life to pass without knowing the love and peace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ as your personal savior.