Approach to Anxiety - Philippians 4

Bible Reading: Philippians 4

History: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to his close friends, the Christians in Philippi, from his Roman house arrest described at the end of Acts (Acts 28:30-31) as he waited for his court appearance before Caesar (around the year A.D. 61). The church in Philippi was founded by Paul some eleven years before this letter on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). This was the first church established on the continent of Europe.

Goal: Anxiety is something that is relentless and therefore makes it something difficult to deal with it. I know it's not something that can go away at the snap of a finger but we can definitely change our approach to it. Maybe these habits will teach our hearts and mind to focus on God and it may bring some stillness in the midst of the chaos that goes within.

Let us learn how to tackle anxiety with the help of Philippians 4 which we have read many times but let's deep dive into it and see what we find.

Step 1: Pray

vs 6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Make it a habit to pray over every anxious situation which teaches you to trust Him in every situation because that is who you turn to. Come before him with any request or petition, big or small, even if it is due to our mistakes, you can approach Him and He will help you.

Step 2: Peace of God

Vs 7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The peace that passes all understanding which helps us to comprehend the situation and trust that God will help us. Everlasting peace. It will guard our hearts and minds by helping us focus on Jesus than the situation at hand. Because if we do then we overthink and we make it worse for ourselves and that is enough for the devil to add fuel to the fire.

Step 3: Think about such things

Vs 8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

Have any of you made the situation worse by doing things that are harmful to you when you are anxious? Paul tells us to think about lovely, noble, true, and pure. We see and hear a lot of things, and information that we consume on a daily basis and it is a good idea to filter out those things that prevent us from focusing on God and amplify our anxiety regarding the situation.

Step 4: Practice

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Put into practice what you have learned from His word which is the truth and not the anxiety which oftentimes is just lies that distract us. When God says He will never leave you nor forsake you. It is the truth and a promise that no one can deny.

Step 5: Rejoice

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice

8 if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What is common in these verses? It talks about praising and rejoicing in God. It teaches us to remember all the amazing things that God has done and to be grateful. It serves as a reminder of how truly faithful He is. He gives everlasting joy and that will be the secret of our strength as said in Nehemiah 8:10.

Step 6: Being content

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Paul said that no matter what the situation was whether he was in need or in plenty, he learned to be content. We think that the next step will bring us the satisfaction we need only to find out it doesn't. Being content teaches us to be satisfied and appreciate all that we have and it helps us to manage our expectations when things don't go our way.

Step 7: I Can through Jesus

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

When we feel like we are incapable, useless, or burdened, let this be a reminder that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me because it is His strength that renews us and gives us the push to keep going

Step 8: Share each other's troubles

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Share with your peers or family or even a professional how you feel and what you are going through and you will be surprised how eager they are to help. Also, another thing to consider is how you can help others with what you have. Sometimes anxiety and stress make us blind to what is happening around us. So take time to spend with others even when it is hard because you can impact them in some way. Paul said that the gifts and care are fragrant offerings and acceptable sacrifices pleasing to God.

Step 9: God will supply

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

He will take care of all your needs and so don't fret about things you don't have or can't control because God is going to take care of them.

Step 10: God will finish the work He has started in you

This is not in chapter 4 but in chapter 1:6. You know the verse I'm talking about. "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

So don't give up because God has a plan for you and He will not give up until it comes to fruition.

Final greetings:

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.