This Sunday in worship we will be looking at the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians where we will be confronted by Paul’s instruction that we should “not be anxious about anything” (4:6). The passage is beautifully written, motivating, encouraging and promising to all those who have dealt with any level of anxiety. But, the command is easily given, easily heard, yet so difficult to follow.
Contemporary sociologists and psychologists insist that we live in an increasingly anxious time, where our children at earlier and earlier ages confront anxiety-producing situations, where the historic institutions and support is minimized, where a mental health crisis is upon us. More professional assistance is available, yet the need continues to grow.
Into this breach, the Bible speaks:
- Philippians 4:6-7: 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.
- John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
- Psalm 55:22: Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
- Matthew 6:34: Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
- Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
These texts, and many others, offer solace for our anxious thoughts: the peace and presence of God Himself, the peace of God which arises from the presence of God.
Here are a few helpful articles on how the Scripture speaks to our anxious condition, on how the peace and presence of our Lord and Savior might dominate our thoughts, attitudes, and actions:
- How Anxiety Has Grown My Faith, by Josh Weidmann.
- Talk to God About Your Anxiety, by Jon Bloom
- A (God-Centered) Path from Anxiety to Peace, by Dorothy Griffin
In preparation for worship this week, read Philippians 4:2-9.
- Without knowing what the problem was between the two women, how does Paul’s instructions to the Philippian church help shape the context of their reconciliation? Paul describes their service and our future, and one gets the impression that this should impact their relationship.
- Verses 4-6 are a list of commands, surrounding a simple statement—“the Lord is at hand.” How does that statement shape the commands? What difference does it make that “the Lord is at hand?”
- What objections might you have to Paul’s command to “rejoice in the Lord always?” What questions spring to mind? If you had to answer these objections, what might you say?
- How does the promise of verse 7 naturally follow the faithfulness required in verse 6?
- In verse 8 Paul directs us to “whatever” is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. What might these “whatevers” be?
By Henry Knapp