Philippians 4 reminds me of a recent study showing the extraordinary number of students that drop out of college due to mental issues. Young people are bombarded with gloom and doom, and overwhelmed by hopelessness. Many today are locked into their single news source, echoing anger about “the other side”. It seems that fear drives ratings. Todays lesson is about intentionally choosing joy. Paul begins the last chapter of Philippians by linking the prior chapter. “Therefore”, since our citizenship is in heaven, “stand firm in the Lord”. And he explains what that means. Paul urges believers in Philippi to care for the needs of women that were his co-workers in the mission field. A great way to find purpose is by helping others. He specifically talks about someone physically close, because we can witness the results. Next, Paul exhorts, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It is important to note he does not say rejoice in your circumstances, or your possessions. Again, he is referencing an earlier explanation; Jesus has already done everything necessary for us to be spiritually unified with the Father. I’m convinced that everyone is looking for peace with God, but we do not always know what’s missing. He reminds us all that “The Lord is near”. Pause for a second to consider that statement. It is intended to comfort us. God is patient, compassionate, and desires to give you His peace. A loving father offers strength, support and courage.
Paul carefully links together a few seemingly unrelated things to help us release the burdens that weigh us down. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. Serenity has much to do with recognizing the things we cannot control. Jesus asked, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matt 6:27). Sadly, some seek significance by amplifying angst. Notice that Paul said to present our requests with thanksgiving. I think that means we are to gladly rid ourselves of our burdens; and trust that a just and holy God will work everything out for His good purposes. Paul adds another piece to the promise; “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds”. Peace and understanding bring healing. Understanding is the opposite of blame. Attaching blame to someone else fosters bitterness. Please don’t let arrogance keep you from His peace.
For those of us prone to outrage over the latest agitation in the news cycle, Paul offers simple advice, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable… excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”. Maybe it is time to put down the things that make us angry? Imagine going through just one day offering positive praise to the people you meet. For some of us that would be transformational. We would also recognize the negative people that suck the joy out of us. Paul says, “put it into practice”. And he describes the result, “And the God of peace will be with you”. Peace does not mean we have no trouble. It means keeping perspective on our priorities. Paul adds, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”. Contentment is not apathy; it is a recognition that nothing is permanent. He explains, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty”. That kind of insight mutes the hype of those that agitate. Peace with God also provides passion to pursue a personal purpose, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”. Paul concludes with a word for the stressed out, “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory”. We are not called to avoid difficult situations; we are called to overcome them by clinging to the faithful promises of God. My friend, do not give up. Rejoice in the good news! “To our God and Father be glory forever”.