Rejoice in the Lord: The Letter to the Philippians
CHAPTER FOUR: Do Not Be Anxious About Anything
Chapter Four begins with a blessing and an expression of pastoral concern. Paul urges two women to “agree in the Lord,” (literally, he calls each to his “side” that they might “have the same mind” in the Lord—see chapter 2: 2 and following).
Paul returns to the heart of his message in 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice.”
Let’s take note again that Paul’s imperative to Rejoice is a “command” to enjoy the Lord’s presence in our lives despite circumstances.
He then makes one of the greatest invitations in all of Holy Scripture. It begins in verse six.
Again we have an imperative: “Do not be anxious about anything…” (the problem)
“…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…” (the solution/invitation)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses (rises above) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (the result)
What is “the peace of God?” It is not simply quietness or lack of conflict; it is the result of the process Paul talks about here. Rather than being consumed with worry or anxiety, “take it to the Lord in prayer,” remembering to be thankful, and leave your anxieties with Him, trusting Him do what it best. When one does that, Paul says, there is a wholeness that transcends (or rises above) understanding, which guards our hearts and minds in Christ, keeping us rooted in Him.
Paul continues to unfold his program for mental, emotional and spiritual health by urging us to think about good things. This is the flip side of the old saying, “Garbage in; Garbage out.” The apostle is saying, “Fill your minds with Godly things.”This is simple advice perhaps, but necessary for us to put into practice.
FOR DISCUSSION: What do you think of Paul’s invitation to “take it to the Lord in prayer?” What does it really say when we hang onto anxiety and worry? What are some steps we can take to think about true, honorable, praiseworthy things?
There is one more gem in this letter—in 4:13 Paul reveals “the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” What is it? In verse 11, he also mentions the virtue of contentment. Do we value contentment today? Why or why not?
Paul concludes the letter with heartfelt thanks for the support the Philippians had given him, and blesses them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment