Pray About Everything

Philippians 4

​Believers who take their problems and anxiety to God in prayer discover the peace of God, His promises, His protection, His presence, His power, His comfort, and His encouragement. When worry is the problem, the prescription is always prayer, proper thinking, and a proper response.
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The opposite of worry and anxiousness is peace. The mind dividing thoughts of anxiety and worry are destructive and will choke out the Word of God and force followers to abandon trust and possibly the faith.

True peace and joy are achieved by a life in Christ, time in His Word, time in intentional, consistent prayer, a growing faith, and a focus or thinking on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise.” It’s time to pray for Jesus to help believers experience peace by eliminating the stinking thinking.

Dr. David Jeremiah talks much about truth and worry and shares many facts that are great reminders of why worry and fretting is a waste of time and why growing in faith is vital:
• 40% of the things people worry about never happen
• 30% of our worries are related to past matters, which are now beyond our control
• 12% of our worries have to do with our health even when we are not actually ill
• 10% of our worries are about friends and neighbors and are not based in evidence or fact
• 8% of our worries have some basis in reality, which means that over 90% of the things we worry about never happen.

As we close this powerful and joy filled letter of the Apostle Paul to the church of Philippi, it would be good to remember the structure of such a letter, as it speaks much to the thinking of Paul and a model for ministry in your circle of influence. Warren Wiersbe outlines it like this: The message of our ministry is the gospel of Christ (chap. 1). The model for our ministry is the example of Christ (chap. 2). The motive for our ministry is the reward of Christ (chap. 3). The means of our ministry is the provision of Christ (chap. 4).

“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:2–9 (ESV)

Here we see how the Lord provides unity when we disagree with our fellow Christians and can experience peace when we are prone to worry about the controllable and the uncontrollable. If we pray as we ought to pray and think as we ought to think, the peace of God will guard us, and the God of peace will go with us throughout our journey.

In the next few verses, Paul shares that the Lord provides, not only the small things we need for survival, but the power we need for a life of service.

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10–13 (ESV)

I am often concerned by the misrepresentation of these verses, especially Philippians 4:13, which is often posted, pinned, and placed on bumper stickers outside the correct context. What if God chooses a different direction for your journey, one you never thought or desired to travel? Can you still praise Him and think you can do all things? The context is on contentment and God’s provision of all we need to accomplish His will. Know that His will may be in heaven, not on earth.

Contentment means being satisfied and at rest about where God has you, despite what’s happening around you. It’s not natural or automatic; it must be learned. Dr. Tony Evans says, “God teaches us contentment through the ups and downs of changing circumstances. He wants us to learn to depend on him and his divine enabling no matter what. Many times, it seems that God doesn’t come through for us until we can’t take one more step. Then he provides at just the right time, strengthening us. The lesson of contentment is most effectively learned during times of suffering or need.

Harold Wilmington writes in his handbook that Paul was “Content and strong in feast and famine. Because Christ abided in and empowered him (4:13), Paul could be content in any and all circumstances. There are two kinds of Christians:
• Thermometer Christians, whose satisfaction is totally dependent on circumstances: They simply register the prevailing spiritual temperature.
• Thermostat Christians, whose satisfaction is totally independent of circumstances. Not only are they not affected by circumstances, they themselves help shape those circumstances.”

Dr. Evans goes on to share, “Paul desires to increase the Philippians account means he wants to increase their heavenly reward.”

Paul did not have a wealthy organization giving him support, but he did have a great God who enabled generous friends to meet his needs. Paul saw their gift as a fragrant sacrifice to the Lord, and he rejoiced in the Lord for what they did.

“I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:18–20 (ESV)

Are you struggling with worry and anxiousness? What is it that disturbs you, occupies your mind, and causes you to worry or doubt God? Are you struggling to be content with what you have and what you have accomplished? Have you prayed about it? Are you praying for what you want, or are you praying “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven?” Can you be content with God’s answer, plan, direction, and provision for your present journey this side of heaven?
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Today, surrender your life to Jesus. Surrender you worry and struggle to Jesus. Be encouraged that in all things, He knows what is best for you and what will bring the greatest results and rewards for His Glory.

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