Philippians 4:6-8

Philippians 4

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.

So much of the battle to live righteously is in our minds. We often let our minds run away in worry or anxiety. While it is prudent to plan and consider your decisions and their risks, we are commanded not to worry. When we worry or allow ourselves to be anxious, we are questioning God’s ability and authority in our lives.

When we are tempted to worry and dwell on the ‘what-if’s of situations, we are to pray instead. Verse six says by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Thank God for His sovereignty and power over all things. Thank Him for the way He will work through the situation, no matter the outcome.

Verse seven says that if we do that- if we give our anxiety over to God- the peace of God, that is beyond anything we can understand, will guard our hearts and minds. God will give you peace.

I think a lot of times we read verse six and stop there, and we cycle through worry and prayer back and forth and never truly overcome the anxiety we have to experience true peace. Maybe you do make it through verse six and seven, but I think verse eight pertains to this situation as well.

Remember, a lot of the battle is in the mind. Verse eight deals with the mind and tells us what to think about. Instead of dwelling on worry or doubts, think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Why is this connected? If you are worried and pray to God, that’s great. But if you go right back to thinking about the situation in the same way, you will just keep on worrying! Instead, think on the things in verse eight. Reflect on the truth of Scripture and God’s promises for His children. Remember the praiseworthy and excellent things God has done in your life during past situations. Thinking on these things allows the Holy Spirit to give you peace.