When Paul wrote this (Philippians 4:6-7), he was under severe stress, under persecution and in jail, and he could be killed anytime, yet Paul advised us not to worry about anything, and instead, we should, with thanksgiving, bring those matters to the LORD in prayer. Even in a most stressful situation, Paul has a strong faith in the LORD, that God will take care of him. Such faith and the truth that God will take care of our needs will give us a deep, serene peace. We should not be worried, not anxious. God will give us the peace of mind, that defies human understanding. That peace from God will guard my mind and heart.
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Text: Philippians 4:4-8 New International Version
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
[From ODB] Moving ranks as one of the biggest stressors in life. We moved to our current home after I’d lived in my previous one for nearly twenty years. I’d lived alone in that first home for eight years before I got married. Then my husband moved in, along with all his things. Later, we added a child, and that meant even more stuff.
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Our moving day to the new house wasn’t without incident. Five minutes before the movers arrived, I was still finishing up a book manuscript. And the new home had several sets of stairs, so it took double the time and twice as many movers as planned.
But I wasn’t feeling stressed out by the events of that day. Then it hit me: I’d spent many hours finishing writing a book—one chock-full with Scripture and biblical concepts. By God’s grace, I’d been poring over the Bible, praying, and writing to meet my deadline. So, I believe the key was my immersion in Scripture and in prayer.
Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). When we pray—and “rejoice in” God (v. 4)—we refocus our mind from the problem to our Provider. We may be asking God to help us deal with a stressor, but we’re also connecting with Him, which can provide a peace “which transcends all understanding” (v. 7). By Katara Patton
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[From Commentary] Paul was “in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13) when he wrote to the Philippians. Because he mentioned the “palace guard” (v. 13) and “Caesar’s household” (4:22), he was probably imprisoned in Rome. Despite being in prison, Paul wrote this “joyful” letter (1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1), relentlessly encouraging the Philippian believers to “rejoice in the Lord always” (4:4). Some ten years earlier, during his second missionary journey, Paul had brought the gospel to this Roman colony, for which he was persecuted (Acts 16:11–40). Even though he was severely flogged and illegally imprisoned, Paul radiated joy and peace. For during adversity, “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” (v. 25). The apostle wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace” (Philippians 4:6–7 nlt ). by K. T. Sim
[From me] When Paul wrote this (Philippians 4:6-7), he was under severe stress, under persecution and in jail, and he could be killed anytime, yet Paul advised us not to worry about anything. Instead, Paul exhorts us, that we should, with thanksgiving, bring those matters to the LORD in prayer. Even in a most stressful situation, Paul has a strong faith in the LORD, that God will take care of him. Such faith and the truth that God will take care of our needs will give us a deep, serene peace. We should not be worried, not anxious. God will give us the peace of mind, that defies human understanding. That peace from God will guard my mind and heart.
Posted May 6, 2023
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