Philippians 4 is the Bible “anxiety buster!” That’s because when God, through Paul, confronted anxiety, He pulled no punches in diagnosing the problem and prescribing a remedy for it. This is truly important because so many downplay the repercussions of anxiety and worry and choose to think this particular sin is no big deal. Well, nothing could be further from the truth.
In Philippians 4.4-8, Paul commanded five things to do when you are worried and/or anxious. Here they are: rejoice, be gentle, remember Christ’s return, pray, and ponder good things.
Consider this, if your heart is running low on joy, you might be more anxious than you care to admit. Or, if you find it more and more difficult to be gentle with others, then perhaps anxiety has found a home in your heart. Or, if your heart doesn’t regularly find victorious hope in Christ’s return, or if your prayer life is lagging, or if your thoughts don’t consistently settle on honorable, pure, and commendable things, then it may be time to confess the root problem — worry and anxiety.
The first thing in dealing with any sin is to recognize it. Call its name, identify it. Repent, forsake, and turn from it. Then, prayerfully consider how to employ the five Holy Spirit inspired directives. God will do His part when we do ours. He will grant victory over the destructive sin of worry and anxiety. And, He will “guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” [4.7].
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is coming soon. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4.4-8
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