Text: Philippians 4: 6-7 (CSB) – “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
So far in our study, we have viewed the Philosophy that Paul is teaching – “To live Christ.” And the Pattern that Paul says we should live by – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” And next, the Prize that Paul says we should seek – “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Now, in Chapter 4 Paul shows you the Power in the Christian Life we lead.
Remember that this little book of Philippians is a real “Rubber hits the Road” description of Christianity. Paul in this section calls us to Rejoice – even in adverse circumstances.
Yesterday, we saw where Paul calls us to rejoice in the midst of adverse circumstances. Today let us consider what he says in verse 6a – “Don’t worry about anything.”
We are not designed by God to carry worry. The Greek word used here means to be divided. Jesus in Matthew 6: 25,27,28,31,34 says that we are to take no thought, not be divided about so many things. The word for anything in the Greek means – no way, no how, no one, not any – ad infinitum.
We can then translate this passage – “Worry about nothing, pray about everything.” (Marshall translation).
Verse 6b goes on to say, “but in everything, through prayer and petition …” The Greek word for “in everything” is a picture of a wayfarer, or to travel by something.
Thus, Don’t worry about anything and travel by prayer. WOW
So, why do we worry? Because we are not traveling by prayer. The late G. Campbell Morgan was asked – “Dr. Morgan, do you think we should pray about the little things in our life?” His reply was “Madam, can you mention anything in your life that is big to God?” Should we bring everything to God? That’s what Paul says – Travel by Prayer.
But wait, I have unanswered prayers. All prayers are answered. Maybe not the way we want. God answers in three ways – “Yes – No – or, Wait for it.”
God always hears your prayers. But are you willing to take HIS answer?
Paul continues in verse 7a – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…” There are types of peace we can’t understand.
World peace that is so sought after will only truly come when the Prince of Peace returns.
Peace coming from the forgiveness of our sins is called the “peace with God” Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is true Tranquility and can only be found in the peace that Jesus gives. This is a peace that can’t be explained.
The Greek word is “joined, or oneness.” This is a soul-flooding peace. This is an all-encompassing peace. It flows from the inside out.
And finally in verse 7b – “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The Greek word is “the sentinel, the watcher, the guard.” Our heart (emotions) and minds (intellect) are being guarded constantly in (or by) Christ Jesus.
So, Paul is commanding us to rejoice – rejoice through the power of prayer.
Some ay prayer changes things. And it does. Notice, we entered this passage in anxiety, with worry – and we come out with peace. And between the two is – PRAYER.
Have things changed?
Not really
The storm is still raging, waves rolling high – thunders still resounding
But – we have changed.
We pray – “Give us this,” “Don’t let this happen,” when we should be praying “O God –
change me.’
Prayer is the secret. We enter with worry and come out with peace.
Worry about nothing – pray about everything
Marshall Translation – “Worry about nothing, but travel constantly in prayer to God – So that the oneness of God which is beyond our comprehending will guard our thoughts and emotions by Jesus Christ himself.”
So – what’s it going to be? The banner of Worry – or the banner of Joy?
You can take the responsibility for worry and fear – or let God have it.
Doesn’t it make more sense to travel by prayer?
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