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“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Philippians 4:4-9
INTRODUCTION: After the coronavirus became big news, the sandwich board at the entrance to our residential community had the message DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY written on it. It was a big-hearted note to calm our fears during this time. We are all familiar with Bobby McFerrin’s peppy song with whistling in the background urging us not to worry but to be happy. It is a good word, but the question is how can we be happy when we are all worried about a virus that can kill? Anxiety is normal when we are faced with danger. We see a threat and the fight or flight response is triggered in our minds and bodies. But anxiety can become debilitating when our fears become excessive and persistent. When our anxieties disrupt our daily life or cause physical illness, then we need to consult a doctor and get medical help. But our normal anxieties can be managed with proper care and prevention. The Apostle Paul gives us a prescription and remedy for anxiety and worry in Philippians 4:4-9.
PRAISE
*Joy does not depend on circumstances. You can choose joy. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (4).
*Be generous and out-going to all. We can always be patient and kind to others because we know the Lord is coming soon. “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand” (5).
* Praise honors God and releases his presence. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15 NIV).
PRAY
*Anxiety is contrary to faith. Faith trusts that God is in control. The cure for worry is to turn to God in prayer. Always pray for felt needs and specific requests and give thanks to God for his answers. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (6).
*God’s unfathomable peace mounts guard over your feelings (heart) and your thinking (mind) when you pray in the name of Jesus. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (7).
PONDER
* “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV). What we think about determines how we live and act. We need to meditate on good things. What gets our attention gets us. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (8).
PRACTICE
*God’s promise: as we learn and do these things, God will guide us. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (9).
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