The Secrets

September 17

Isaiah 26-27

Psalm 105:7-11

Proverbs 23:1-3

Philippians 4

The Secrets

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. I am able to do all these things through Him who strengthens me. And my God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-8, 13, 19 HCSB

I am convinced that Philippians 4 holds the secrets to joy, peace, and contentment. If we do the things in this chapter our lives will be radically different. These four principles will transform our hearts and our minds if we apply them daily.

1. Don’t worry, pray! Most of the stuff we spend our time worrying about either does not happen or does not turn out to be as bad as we thought it would. We have very little control over any of it and worrying about it does not change one thing. But we know the One who does have control and can do something about it. The best thing we can do is pray. And after we pray, we need to leave it at His feet. If we pick it back up and keep worrying about it, we are exhibiting a lack of faith in His willingness and ability to take care of our concerns.

2. Dwell on the positive instead of the negative. We just dealt with this a few days ago, so I’m not going to spend much time on it. Instead of seeing the negative in every situation, choose to see what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and of moral excellence. Changing your focus can change your situation.

3. He is the One who strengthens me. I do not have to come up with internal strength and power. I don’t have it in me to deal with a lot of the stuff I am faced with, but I have the Holy Spirit living in me who is Almighty. He can do whatever needs to be done in my life.

4. He will meet all my needs. I don’t have to worry about anything. He’s got this. Whatever this is, He can handle it. I am His precious child. He loves me and He will take care of me. I can rest in His provision.

That’s it! Do these things and your life will be characterized by joy, peace, and contentment.