Twenty-first century society seems to thrive on worry; the environment, terrorism, environmental pollution, deforestation, vaccinations, “good” vs. “bad” parenting (be a PARENT, not an enabler!); the list of things about which we “should” worry seemingly has no end. Some people even worry about not having enough to worry about!
Do you suppose the apostle Paul ever worried? In 2 Corinthians 2:13, he was “unable to relax” – worried – because he didn’t find Titus when he arrived in Troas. Christians often read 1 Peter 5:7 and Matthew 6:34 (“…cast your care on Him,” and “…do not worry about tomorrow,”), but then struggle to actually let go of the concerns that occupy our thoughts! “What, ME worry!?”
As Paul begins to summarize his message to the church at Philippi (Philippians 4), one of the key take-aways for US is the “remedy for worry” he offered in verses 4-8. Worrying had the potential to derail the good works and growth that were occurring among them, so he had emphasized to these Christians that they still had room to mature and improve (chapter 1). They needed assurance that God wouldn’t give up on them (vs. 6), and Paul had expressed his own “holy ambition” for them (vv. 9-10). In verses 21, 27, & 29, he had shown that even thought they WOULD be challenged, and they WOULD experience opposition, they COULD conquer it!
Starting in chapter 2:5, Paul presents the key to fulfilling their needs (cultivating in themselves the mind of Christ). Philippians 2:12f shows what that fulfillment would involve; “work out…,” “DO” (and don’t grumble, vs. 14), and remember that they could “lean on” other brethren (Epaphras and Timothy, vv. 19 & 25). The substance of Paul’s appeal comes in chapter 3:1, 16, 17, & 4:1 — “stand firm, walk, follow, & stand fast!”
The challenge for the Philippine brethren was to rejoice – in spite of strife, conflict, or disappointment. For modern Christians, there is a very important concept revealed here:
Rejoicing — “happiness” — is a deliberate choice (it’s not a consequence of other people’s behavior). The instruction here in Philippians 4:1 (as in 3:1) is in the form of a commandment! In other words, the Holy Spirit’s instruction is NOT subject to how my opinions, or my feelings about the situation!
Verses 5-9 in Philippians 4 offer some “keys” to our ability to fulfill this commandment: First, allow your “reasonableness” to show (not your worry or frustration!). Next, don’t be passive about worries or concerns, cope with them deliberately (vs. 6) – the word for supplication implies we are seeking something we cannot supply for ourselves (i.e., we NEED God)!
Worrying (being unwilling) to “let go” of our cares expresses a LACK of trust (in God)! Action in the right direction will relieve it! We should accompany active “coping” with prayer, and also recognize that God HAS promised peace (vs. 7). Whether or not we actually have that peace is up to US.
-Dave Rogers
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