How Do You Feel? Anxious?
Devotions on Emotions (and Scripture) by the First Pres. Pastors
A reflection on Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[d] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, beloved,[e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[f] these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
“Do not worry about anything.” On the surface, that seems to be a dismissive statement. We may have lots to worry about. We may worry about our health. We may worry about work (or not having the work we need.) We may worry about our relationships. We may worry about some very real and legitimate problems and concerns. But Paul’s words here – Do not worry about anything – don’t stand alone, just as we don’t stand alone.
In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.
Don’t’ worry about it all. Talk to God about it. Take your requests to God in prayer with thanksgiving — AND —-
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Then, Paul says, as you have left your worries about these troubling things with God, think on “what is true, pure, pleasing, commendable.” Focus your mind on these things – and the peace of God will be with you.”
Don’t worry – be at peace.
Prayer
God, as I share my worries with You in prayer, help me to trust that You will be beside me every step of the way. Let me find the peace that You promise on this life journey. Amen.