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 f you’re feeling anxious or worried about anything today, Philippians 4 is a good place to look for help. I like this passage because the Apostle Paul, who wrote these truths of God, doesn’t just tell you not to be anxious, he tells you why you don’t need to be anxious; he doesn’t just tell you not to dwell on your problems, but he tells you what to dwell on instead. Number 12: Don't Be AnxiousBy Eric Elder If you’re feeling anxious or worried about anything today, Philippians 4 is a good place to look for help. I like this passage because the Apostle Paul, who wrote these truths of God, doesn’t just tell you not to be anxious, he tells you why you don’t need to be anxious; he doesn’t just tell you not to dwell on your problems, but he tells you what to dwell on instead. And I especially like this passage because Paul didn’t write them while sitting on a grassy hillside at a mountaintop retreat. He wrote them while being held in chains in a first century prison cell, having been beaten, flogged, and facing possible death at any moment. If Paul could learn how to be free from anxiety in a situation like that, then we could learn from him how to deal with our anxious thoughts as well. Here’s what Paul said: “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” (Philippians 4:4-7).Twice he says to “rejoice in the Lord.” Notice that he doesn’t say you have to rejoice about the difficult situation your facing, but to rejoice in the Lord. Rather than trying to minimize what you’re facing, he’s trying to maximize who you’re facing them with: the Lord. And that’s also the reason why you don’t need to be anxious: because “The Lord is at hand.” He’s not a God who’s taken off to some distant land, but He’s actually very close at all times--“at hand”--or within an arm’s reach. A woman once told me about a time when she was laying in pain on a hospital bed when she looked up to see a cross on the wall. It wasn’t an empty cross--which has a special significance of its own--but it was a cross depicting the agonizing crucifixion of Jesus. While it might seem gruesome to look into the face of a man who is experiencing excruciating pain, for this woman it turned out to be one of the greatest comforts of her life. She was suddenly filled with the realization that Jesus was right there with her, and that He knew exactly what she was going through, bringing her immediate comfort and peace. Paul also told them what to focus on in the midst of their troubles: “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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).It reminds me of the song that Julie Andrews sang in the Rodgers and Hammerstein movie, The Sound of Music. When the children were afraid of the thunder and lightning outside, she sang: “When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.” For her, some of her favorite things were, “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.” What are some of yours? Or, as Paul asked, what are some things you can think about that are true? Honorable? Just? Pure? Lovely? Commendable? Excellent? Worthy of praise? Think about such things, not just as a technique to distract you from your situation, but as a practical way to put your situation into perspective. For as hard as life can be, there are still things in life which are beautiful and glorious. Paul learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether he had plenty or was in need. How? By continually rejoicing in the Lord, by remembering that God was near, and in everything, making his requests known to God. In one of the most famous verses of the Bible--found at the end of this chapter--Paul said: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).If you’re feeling anxious and worried, read Philippians chapter 4. Learn from Paul and put into practice what you learn. As you do, may the God of peace be with you--and may His peace be yours. Let’s pray... Father, thank You for giving us practical ways to face the things that cause us to be anxious. Help us to remember that You are near, and to dwell on those things that are true and honorable, just and pure, lovely and commendable, and excellent and worthy of praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.P.S. One of the best ways to think about things that are true and pure and lovely and worthy of praise is to spend time reading the Word of God, which is all of those things! If you’d like some help in reading through your Bible, I’d be glad to send you a copy of one of the books I wrote recently called “Ephesians: Lessons In Grace.” It’ll take you through one of the most beloved books of the Bible, passage by passage, showing you how to apply the words from God to your life today. Just click the link below to make a donation and get the book. Your donations really do keep our ministry coming to you each week, and we’re glad to keep sending you resources that will help you in your walk with God! Today’s Scripture: Philippians 4 Today’s Memory Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, ESV). To read more from this series, “The Top 20 Passages in the Bible,” click here: To get more inspiring books and music like this, please visit: To find us on Facebook, look for us at “The Ranch Messages” and click “Like!” Invite your friends! We’d love to have them study along with us--and you! Just forward this email and encourage them to sign up for themselves at the link below. To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here: |
