Choose Joy, Prayer, and Thanksgiving!

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy (rejoice). Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind (gentle spirit, gracious). The Lord is coming soon (is near). Do not worry (be anxious, fret) about anything, but pray and ask (definite requests, petition) God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep (guard) your hearts and minds (as you live) in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NCV).

When the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians, he was in prison. The Book of Philippians is classified as the fourth of Paul’s Prison Letters. Yet, Paul wrote to the Philippian church members to tell them to always rejoice in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is the result of peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1–2; see also Psalm 37).

Paul knew our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our unpleasant outward conditions. He knew that no matter what happened in life; Jesus Christ’s Spirit is always living with and within believers to help and comfort (John 14). Jesus Christ’s Spirit brings lasting joy and peace within us. He is always near to those who faithfully and wholeheartedly love Him as their Lord and Savior. 

Even more, Paul teaches believers to be gentle, unselfish and kind to everyone, even people that hurt us deeply. This mean we are not to seek revenge nor retaliate against those who mistreat and hurt us.  Paul's counsel is to turn our worries, anxiety and mistreatment into prayers to God. God is in control and He will judge all wrongs, abuse, and injustice (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)!  Our God loves His people and cares about their needs. Therefore, God instructs His people to pray continually about everything and have faith in Him always (see Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 7:9-11; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 5:7). Tell God your needs, and do not forget to thank Him for His answers. God will never fail you (see also Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15). So, give God ALL your worries!

Give (cast) all your worries (anxiety) and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) (see also Psalm 55:22).