Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do you rejoice always? Does your inward attitude always reflect your outward situation? When Paul wrote this, he was in prison. If anyone had reason to have a bad attitude, it was Paul. Yet he urged us to be joyful always. I have a hat that says “Attitude is Everything”. It is true. It does not matter what is happening to you but how you respond.
What is true joy? True joy in knowing we rest in Christ Jesus and that He remains in us. If you remember that Jesus is your Advocate and wants the best for you knowing He is capable of bringing it about, why worry? Things don’t happen to you, they happen for you. You may have heard it said that worry is a waste of the imagination. Luke 12:25 (NIV) says 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? So, what will worrying do for you? Nothing!
Remember that part about praying unceasingly? Here it is again. “But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Not just the big things but all things; in everything. Don’t forget to celebrate yourself. He does!
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Instead of worrying, pray. Do not be anxious. Be thankful for what you have knowing that God will provide all you need so there is no reason to worry.
How shall we live our days? In prayer with thanksgiving! Be thankful today!
Lord, thank You that You give us reasons to be thankful. Your protection should be enough to keep us from all anxiety. Help us to remain in Your peace with You the focus of our attention. In You, we find rest. In Your name we pray!