Philippians is a book about joy and finding our joy in Jesus.  It has also been called the mental health book.  Chapter 4 offers us some insights into both of these things.  Let’s look at it together today. 

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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul uses the common literary tool of repetition to stress the importance of rejoicing in the Lord.  No matter our current circumstances we always have reason to rejoice because of the goodness of God.  Paul reminds us that whatever we are walking through God is near to us.  He is with us throughout the ups and downs of life.  When we face situations and circumstances that are making us anxious we are reminded to go to Him in prayer. When we rely upon God we are given a peace that actually guards our hearts and minds against further attacks of anxiety.  Paul gives us a further tip to help with worry and anxiety by fixing our thoughts on the good things of God.  I have found this reset or switch of thinking to be extremely helpful in my life. Sometimes even listening to some favorite worship songs or reading Scripture will do the trick.  I suspect that Paul may have had his own struggles in this area which is why he concludes by saying whatever we have seen him do we should put into practice.  May the God of peace be with us all and grant us His peace that passes understanding. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave