Don't Worry, Be Happy

Introduction

Either worrying drives out prayer, or prayer drives out worrying.

D. A. Carson

Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere.

All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.

Oswald Chambers

Philippians 4:4–9

Paul practiced what he preached before he preached it. Note these words from v. 9: “Those things … seen in me, do …” Some Christians say, “Do as I say.” Paul said, “Do as I do.” Note the words of Paul telling the people to follow his example—Philippians 3:17

Philippians 4:4-9

Trials & pressures of life can really make it hard for us to have happiness. But Paul isn’t telling us to be happy instead he is saying that we should rejoice in the Lord. This is because we can make ourselves happy with the things of the world and or our flesh and go straight to hell. The finish work of Jesus Christ is something to delight in.

II. The Pleasure—v. 4,

Request—“Always be full of joy in the Lord.” Compare with Psalm 16:11

11  You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore God wants His people to be happy but with a lasting and righteous source.

B. Rejoice—“I say it again, rejoice.” Note: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

III. The Person—v. 5, In addition to joy, believers should have gentleness that is known to all.” Gentleness suggests a fore bearing non-retaliatory spirit. Joy, an inner quality in relation to circumstances, may not always be seen but the way one reacts to others will be noticed. Paul gave good advice in Galatians 2:20 “20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

B. Concern—“Remember that the Lord is coming soon.” Why be gentle, because the Lord is coming soon. You don’t want to be caught being evil to anyone when the rapture takes place.

IV. The Prayer—v. 6, 7

Peace—“Don’t worry about anything.” Joy and gentleness accompanied with an imminent return, should dispel anxiety. Verse 6 isn’t telling us to be careless, no it is saying give it to Him who created all things. It is one thing to be concerned about a thing and another to worry. Jesus warns us against worry which eliminates trust in God Matt. 6:25-33

Peace—“Don’t worry about anything.” Compare with the words of 1 Peter 5:7 “7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Remember, He cares about all things.

B. Prayer—“… Pray about everything.” God wants our joy to be full and complete— John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. See also Psalm 37:4–5 “ Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

C. Praise—“Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.” We should not forget His benefits—Psalm 103:3 “who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,”

Prayer- describes a believer’s approach to God

Petition- emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need

Thanksgiving- is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one’s prayers

When the exhortation of verses 4-6 are heeded, the peace of God will flood one’s troubled soul. The Lord Jesus Christ is our peace Eph. 2:14

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

The peace of God transcends all understanding, that is it is beyond man’s ability to comprehend. This peace guards the believer. From what, the hearts and mind, and what is the heart and mind, your emotions and your thoughts.

So no matter what your situation is your peace is in tact because it is securely guarded by God. You are not being petty because your emotions are wrapped up in Christ and your thoughts are on the things above and not in this world.

VI. The Practice—v. 8–9.

A. wholesome thought life

True- things opposite of dishonest and unreliable

Noble- refers to what is dignified and worthy of respect

Right/Just- refers to conformity to God’s standards

Pure- refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity

Lovely- speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict

Admirable/Good report- relates to what is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive

The Christian life involves proper thinking but, it also includes doing righteous deeds instructed by the Holy Spirit. The Philippians knew Paul well, he taught, they heard, recieved and learned from him. They put his example into practice, they would certainly enjoy the presence of the God of peace on this side of Glory.