I recently heard a message by Dr. David Gibbs concerning worry. I have read, taught, and heard this familiar text preached throughout my Christian life, but I’m not living it now.   

Philippians chapter four, verses four through nine, are life-changing verses. In verse four, we are instructed twice, always to rejoice. As Dr. Gibbs expounded on this verse, I was reminded how little I rejoice. The transitive verb rejoice is to give joy to or to gladden. The intransitive verb is to feel joy or great delight. As believers, we may choose joy by obeying verses five through nine. Once we choose to obey these verses, we will then feel joy.

Letting others know that the Lord is at hand is necessary for joy. I must publicly proclaim that the Lord is always near, and I’m never alone. Proclaiming this truth is a witness to others and a reminder to me of this biblical truth.

Instead, we are instructed to worry for nothing but commit to prayer and supplication. With this action, we are to be thankful. When we follow the previous instructions, we have peace with God, as Bro. Gibbs pointed out that this is not peace with God, or rather peace in which we are saved, but daily peace of God in our hearts and minds. This passes human understanding but can be experienced even during trials and tribulations.

Finally, the way we think affects our peace. Thinking about true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and things of good report keeps our minds in a place of praise. If we continue doing the things we have learned, received, and heard, the God of peace will be with us. It’s deceptive to think we will have peace without practicing these principles. Lord, help me.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22