Open your bibles with me this morning to Philippians Chapter 4 and start in verse 6 and read through verse 9. If you don’t have a bible, I’m going to type it out below as well:

Be anxious (don’t worry) about anything, 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. The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

I love this scripture so much! It’ll Preach! I could share with you for hours on this – it was life-changing for me when I really grasped it. But for sake of time, let’s look at just a few of the good lessons we learn below:

• Be “anxious” (don’t worry) about ANYTHING: ask yourself this – when has worry every changed one single solitary thing? It never has. It never will. Worry is a waste of time and damaging to your health.
• How do we stop worrying? We lay EVERYTHING that concerns us at the feet of Jesus! “But in everything by prayer and supplication, with all thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” – While our worrying won’t change a thing – prayer is powerful! Whenever I have a person I’m concerned about, a situation I’m concerned about, I close my eyes – picture Jesus on the cross – and in my mind picture the person or situation under the cross and say “Thank You Jesus that you will make a way. Thank you Jesus that because of you I have hope! Thank you Jesus that you know what is concerning me and your word says you will work it all out for my good because I love you.” and I leave it there. Another visual I heard and use often; remember when Abraham had to trust God so much, enough to lay his son Issaac on the altar for a sacrifice? After he demonstrated obedience God sent an angel that said not to harm the boy – God provided the solution. He provided “himself” a sacrifice. It was a ram in a thicket – but later would be Jesus on the cross. Anyway, (see I said I could preach this scripture! LOL!) I often picture laying my burdens on an altar in my mind and saying “God this is yours to work out today”.
• God’s peace is different than the world’s peace. True peace isn’t found in “positive thinking” or “good vibes” or absence of conflict. It comes from a true understanding that God is in control. He is who he says he is and he’ll do what he says he will do. This is the foundation by which you build on. Our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom is sure. Our destiny is set. We have victory over sin. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.
• I believe verse 8-9 tell us exactly why there is so much anxiety in the world today with children and adults. What you put in your mind is what comes out in words and actions. Our minds are control central. Paul tells us here to program our minds with thoughts that are true, good, positive, encouraging, noble. You didn’t see the anxiety 50 years ago you see today. But 50 years ago people were not carrying around phones with instant access to 24/7 drama. We were not designed to take in so much information. Especially so much information that is negative, manipulative, dirty laundry being aired, fear being spread, comparison central, feelings getting hurt because “she never likes or comments on my stuff” – we need to severely limit our time on social media! And it’s not just social media… our children are listening to music with explicit lyrics and some that promotes violence. Our children see and hear adult things on TV at an age they should be singing “Jesus Loves Me”. Children see violence in the home. Parents are talking about adult things around little ears. ALL of this has led to a generation riddled with anxiety, fear and doubt. We have to start watching very carefully what we are putting into our minds. Every song, every movie, every TV show, every book, every conversation – ask yourself it’s something positive that will encourage you and make you feel better and allow you to grow. If it’s not, you have the power to TURN IT OFF.

OK, so I did a little preaching anyway. 🙂 It’s Friday friends!! Enjoy your day and soak up every second of your weekend and I’ll see you again on Monday!