The Promises of God ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Brother Paul wrote Philippians and chapter 4 is titled "Peace and Joy in All Circumstances"

Paul knows a little about "All Circumstances" - he's kinda been through a few circumstances. He wrote Philippians while in prison, its referred to as "Paul's joy letter." - The secret to Paul's joy is grounded in his relationship with Christ.

Don't worry.

Don't be anxious.

Don't fret.

This is a command, not an option for us. - - Wouldn't that make worry a sin?

Anxious = characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about something.

Jumpy - perturbed - tense - worried - antsy - edgy - nervous - troubled - upset - uptight

Worry = to afflict with mental distress or agitation - to feel or experience concern

Now this is really interesting to me.....I'm sure the dictionary people mean these in a different way, but it makes me think of what our enemy does to us with worry - to harass by tearing, biting or snapping especially at the throat - to shake or pull at with teeth - to touch or disturb something repeatedly - to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment.

Worry and anxiety - the toxic twins!

Anxiety is a meteor shower of what if's. - Lucado

God's Word tells us over and over again not to worry - Do not fear is the most repeated command in the Bible. We are a hard-headed people and prone to worry so it needs repeating time and again so one day we will get it.

So how do we keep from worrying so much and being anxious?

"instead, pray about everything!

Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."

If it matters to me it matters to God! - I heard someone say many years ago, if the grocery list is important to me, then it is important to God. There aren't any areas of our lives that are of no concern to God. Paul wrote that everything is the proper subject of prayer.

Many of our prayers go unanswered because we do not ask God for anything.

Why don't we ask?? - Too anxious? Too busy? We think we can handle it? Do we think it's too small or petty to worry God with?

Turn your worries into prayers - Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray!

Do you want to worry less? - Pray MORE!

God already knows our requests before we pray them; yet He will often wait for our participation through prayer before granting that which we request. - The Enduring Word

God is eager to hear from you - He loves the sound of your voice! - Prayer is a conversation.

This reminds me of the scene in The Shack where Mac is having dinner with Father, Son and Spirit - Sarayu, The Spirit asks Mac how his kids are doing. Mac asks why they are asking him that when they already know the answer to the question. Sarayu responds by saying...we love to hear about your family from your perspective.

Ah....God just wants to hear from His kids.

"and thank Him for all He has done."

Thanksgiving = the expression of gratitude and appreciation - especially to God.

Gratitude = this is the definition for kids.....appreciating the person or thing that did something good for you or made you feel happy.

Thankfulness is the only sane response to God's incredible Grace.

Thanksgiving is the means God uses to help you take the focus off yourself

and onto Him. - Lucado

"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Key word - THEN.....after you pray with Thanksgiving and release your worry to God, He will give you His peace that you will never understand how you got or how you can feel it. Now that is an awesome exchange!

Remember - when has God been faithful to you? Don't you think He will be again and always?

Remember - Jesus promised to be with us in our troubles, this includes worry. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus says "I am with you always."

Remember - Immanuel means "God with Us"

All through Scripture God was with His people - He has shown Himself faithful over and over!

One of my favorites......

The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. - Exodus 14:14

"Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Daily walking and talking with God will usher in the peace you long for - take hold of His hand and go for a walk with Him and tell Him everything. He is listening, He is a good good Father!