Relentless JoySample

In light of the challenges Paul is facing and the worries the Philippians have for him, Paul commands (not suggests) that they not be anxious about anything. Still, they had a lot to worry about. Being persecuted, strife among believers, and the uncertainty of Paul’s future, are just a few of the things they could have worried about. In light of all their anxieties, Paul reasons: Why worry when you can pray?

Worry accomplishes nothing, but prayer to God is taking your issues to someone who can actually do something about them. So we’re called to pray about everything. Not just some things, but everything.

If you can worry about it, you should be praying about it.

Although we are to pray with supplication, meaning telling God what we want Him to do, we are also to pray with thanksgiving ensuring we maintain a focus on what He’s already done for us. As we do this, Paul says:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 ESV)

God will cover our hearts and minds. He will guide our feelings and thoughts. Anxiety is a feeling and as God covers our hearts, He protects us from being anxious. At the same time, He also wants to protect our minds, so Paul says:

“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.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Many times, we don’t experience joy because we don’t control our thoughts. However, our thoughts have a great influence on our feelings and lead to our actions.

Paul gives a laundry list of things to think about; what’s commendable, excellent, praiseworthy, and more. I love that he first says, "think on what is true".

A lot of the thoughts that we allow in our heads that lead to anxiety and prevent us from experiencing joy just aren’t even true.

If we think God is mad at us or He doesn’t really love us, that’s just not even true. These are the anxious thoughts that we need to throw away. I challenge you. Take a mental inventory of your thoughts, write them down and ask, “Is this even true?” If it’s not true, let it go. If it is, pray about it, and give it to God.

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