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Philippians 4:4-7
In Philippians 4:4-7 the Apostle Paul gives three commands. The first is a reflection of our salvation in Christ Jesus and is found in Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)declaring to “4Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” This is not simply a command to be happy, but to rejoice as from the soul in excitement for what God has done for us in saving us from sin.
The second is a reflection of our new way of life as a child of God as Paul declares in Philippians 4:5, “5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” As Christians, we are to show the same kindness to everyone, regardless of a person’s background. Jesus came to save the world from sin (John 1:29, 3:16), this means everyone, and the compassion that Jesus has shown is to be reflected through our lives today.
The third is a command to “not do” as Paul states in Philippians 4:6a, “6Be anxious for nothing,” To be anxious is to worry. Jesus taught about worry in Matthew 6:25-34 and states in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” Jesus also gives an alternative to worrying as He instructs in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” The Apostle Paul reflects the teaching of Jesus in his suggested resolution for being anxious as he instructs in Philippians 4:6b-7, “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
This is a command to rejoice in the Lord.
This is a command to be gentle to everyone.
This is a command to be anxious for nothing, but to give all our worries to God.
We all have plenty to worry about in the world today, and the worries of the world can be placed on our shoulders in an instant through social media. But God has called us to a different view through our salvation in Christ Jesus to be rejoiceful, caring, and gentle to everyone, as if He wants us to be the comforting aspect to counter all the worry in the world. King David declared to God in Psalm 31:3, “For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.” May this be the focus of us all when worry strikes.
Dear LORD,
When worry strikes, please help us to put our focus on You and the strength that You give us to overcome the worries of this world, that we would be rejoiceful in Christ Jesus and gentle to provide support to everyone as a reflection of our salvation and confidence in our Savior Christ Jesus. And let the words of King David ring through our hearts, minds, and souls as he cried out to You in Psalm 31:3, “For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.” In Jesus name I pray, amen.