“Don’t worry, be happy.” The popular sentiment didn’t originate with a 1980s pop hit. However, it does echo a truth found in the pages of Scripture—but with a very important difference: Paul’s words in the New Testament are so much more than a well-meaning platitude. His oft-quoted admonition to “be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6) is part of a larger set of instructions that will soothe our soul and help us experience the peace of God.
Illustration by Sarah Cliff
BACKGROUND
Paul wrote a letter to encourage the believers in Philippi and thank them for their financial support.
READ
Philippians 4:1-9
REFLECT
Placing value on the wrong things can lead to disappointment. But if we prize God’s kingdom above all, we will experience His joy.
It’s well known that Paul was in prison when he wrote to the church at Philippi. But the letter’s recipients were also in distress—under pressure from unbelievers, in danger from false teaching, and saddened by internal conflict. Sound familiar? Christians have faced these issues throughout the centuries. Read Philippians 1:29-30. How do those verses help you relate to Paul, the Philippians, and Jesus? Name a struggle currently weighing on you.
What did Paul reveal to be a source of joy for him (4:1)? His preaching led the Philippians to faith, which is why he called them his “crown.” He gloried in the triumph of the gospel and the kingdom of God. How do you think this perspective helped Paul avoid despair in prison?
Verse 1 says to “stand firm” in the Lord. In times of struggle, which of God’s promises do you rely on? How do they encourage you to hold fast?
If we don’t want to succumb to external pressures, controlling our thoughts is important. In verse 2, Paul urges two believers to “live in harmony in the Lord.” We, too, should set our mind on Jesus and think as He does. How does this promote cultivating peace in hard times?
CONTINUING THE STORY
Paul provides more steps in his directions for maintaining peace.
Paul uses the verb chairó (“rejoice”) twice as a command (v. 4). Joy can be an action we choose rather than a feeling we await. What might that action look like for you—could it be singing? Exercising? Gardening? Why is the phrase “in the Lord” (v. 4) key?
Identify these steps in verses 5-6: 1. Respond with love. This helps us avoid creating more conflict. 2. Be conscious of Christ’s presence. This comforts us and leads to godly action. 3. Ask God for help. This invites Him into our difficulty. 4. Thank Him. This is right and builds our faith. Now, read the result of these actions aloud (v. 7).
Even once we’ve followed these steps, our peace can be disturbed. Carefully guarding our thoughts (v. 8) is essential in preventing this. How might Paul’s admonition to “dwell on these things” change your daily outlook?
The final step is simple but essential: We must practice what we’ve learned over and over again. Our peace in times of adversity is maintained by small daily decisions—to forgive, rejoice, pray, and think right thoughts.
REFLECT
While platitudes aren’t very beneficial, reading God’s words in context—along with putting them into practice—certainly is.
Scripture is sometimes beautifully mysterious. But it also gives us practical advice for finding real joy in daily struggles. That’s why it’s important to know if a passage is meant for contemplation or (as is the case with the verses we studied here) for action.
