Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Philippians 3-4 and Psalm 145

Our world is filled with reasons to be anxious. Violence, crime, corruption, conflict, broken marriages and families, poverty, sickness, economic gloom; the list goes on and on. The Philippians faced most of these issues, but they could add persecution and potential martyrdom to their list too.

From his prison cell, chained to a Roman guard, awaiting trial and possible death, Paul wrote to encourage the Philippians disciples. He loved them and longed to help them find the same peace he had received from God. He had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances” through trusting in “Him who gives me strength” (4:13). And he wanted them to receive that same contentment. To this end, he wrote three instructions to the Philippians in just 5 verses of chapter 4. If they followed these instructions, he promised them that “⁷ the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” … because … “⁹ the God of peace will be with you.”

First, we are instructed not to allow our minds to be occupied with the many potential causes for anxiety, but instead to fill our minds with everything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (v.8). This is an act of self-discipline. When anxious thoughts press in on us, Paul advises us to refuse them safe harbour in our minds and to decisively replace them by meditating on the glories of God and the many ways we see Him present in our world.

Secondly, such meditation on the glories of God creates the opportunity for us to intentionally “⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always …” Respond to the beauty of God with joyful praise. Replace grumbling and complaining (which only feed anxiety) with joyful praise for who God is!

Thirdly, Paul commands us not to stand still feeling powerless in the face of anxiety-inducing circumstances beyond our control. Rather, “⁶ … in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Instead of worrying about challenges and problems, let us bring them to God in prayer and faith.

Life application: Reflect, rejoice, request and receive! Reflect on the glories of God. Rejoice in the Lord! Request Him to move on your behalf. And finally, receive the peace of God that surpasses understanding.