As believers, there is nothing quite like having our JOY disrupted or squelched. In the book of Philippians the Apostle Paul addresses the theme of JOY, and in the fourth chapter addresses the topic of “worry” as being the chief opponent to our experiencing and living the fullness of JOY.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to not worry about anything, “Be careful for nothing.” But he did not just say, “Do not worry!” He gives us three remedies, or provisions, for achieving more peace (the opposite of worry) in our lives, and ultimately more JOY!
First, Paul addresses our prayer lives (v6). He instructs us in praying with prayer, or adoration, to God. As we begin resetting our focus from our “worries” to our God, we begin to realize a change occurring, a more peaceful calm beginning to surround us. David said, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psa 23:1). David’s view of his Lord was such that he realized a complete satisfaction. He stood in need of nothing. The Lord was his shepherd. And, friend, He is yours and mine today. Own Him and adore Him as such as we approach the throne of grace. Adoration! Furthermore, in our prayer lives, Paul says we should make supplications, or petitions, to the Lord. What do we need, specifically, to be supplied with from the Lord. His supply house is full to such that He does not lack in His provisions for providing. And also, when we pray, Paul reminds us to do so “with thanksgiving”. A complete, well-rounded prayer life is our defense against “worry”.
Secondly, the apostle addresses how we think and what we think about (v8). It is little wonder today that we have so much worry in our minds and our joy is so crowded from our hearts. 
We have too much “stuff” and “static” in our thoughts, and anxiety strangles peace from our hearts and minds. Paul gives us a list of “things” to think about. As it has been said, if it is not on the list, we probably ought not to entertain it in our thinking! Paul’s list includes things that are just, things that are lovely, things that are of a good report, things that are honest, and so forth. As consumers of information, how much of what we read and think about on a daily basis is found on Paul’s list of categories? I am afraid it is less than we are willing to admit, and therein, perhaps, lies the reason for some portion of the worry and anxiety that we are captive to. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Paul gives us a list of thing and instructs us to “think on these things.”
We have too much “stuff” and “static” in our thoughts, and anxiety strangles peace from our hearts and minds. Paul gives us a list of “things” to think about. As it has been said, if it is not on the list, we probably ought not to entertain it in our thinking! Paul’s list includes things that are just, things that are lovely, things that are of a good report, things that are honest, and so forth. As consumers of information, how much of what we read and think about on a daily basis is found on Paul’s list of categories? I am afraid it is less than we are willing to admit, and therein, perhaps, lies the reason for some portion of the worry and anxiety that we are captive to. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Paul gives us a list of thing and instructs us to “think on these things.”Thirdly, Paul addresses our practical living (v9), our doing. “Have you considered my life’s exam
ple”, Paul asks. He instructs us to do those things that we have not only “learned” but also that we “have received”. Paul says, not only is it important learn, but to receive, those things that we have seen and heard from him. Basically, Paul says for us to learn it and live it! “Those things…do.”
ple”, Paul asks. He instructs us to do those things that we have not only “learned” but also that we “have received”. Paul says, not only is it important learn, but to receive, those things that we have seen and heard from him. Basically, Paul says for us to learn it and live it! “Those things…do.”Worry is the devil’s device to stifle, or squelch, believers of their JOY and PEACE! When faced with a worrisome situation in our life, let us employ the Apostle’s teaching of magnifying the Lord in our prayer life, in our thinking, and in our doing. Let us claim the confidence of the Apostle and proclaim, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (v13) and enjoy the fullness of the peace of God, which passes all understanding.