Sometimes we just need a child to remind us.

I know this is an old Youtube video, but it’s a classic.

And in case you missed it, it’s the reason we don’t have to worry.

I hope the Lord is truly your Shepherd today.

As we move into part 5 of our 6 part series on dealing with worry, stress & anxiety the way God wants us to, we find ourselves reading verse eight of Philippians four:

Finally, brothers, 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.

In this fourth part of our six part series on how God wants us to overcome worry, we come to an amazing verse with an absolutely life changing promise in Philippians 4:7:

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

This is part 3 of a 6 part series on worry from Philippians 4:4-9.  Today as we examine verse six of this passage, we will take a hard look at the two clear commands given in this passage.  The problem with today’s study is this:  When we see clear commands in Scripture the onus of obedience is placed on us.  In other words, when you know the truth, God expects you to live it.  James said it like this,

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

The great news is, as you and I learn to apply these commands from Scripture, we will learn to replace our fear, worry and anxiety with joy, gentleness and the peace of God.  So be readers AND doers today!

As we continue in our study of Philippians 4:4-9 trying to tackle worry, we read verse 5:  

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand

As we begin this six part series on worry from Philippians 4:4-9, we begin with a key truth:  Joy is the anti-worry.  When we are choosing and experiencing joy, we have no place for worry.  They key is choice.

Continued from yesterday

(so read yesterday’s devo first!)

It would be impossible to reveal the value of the gift He has given us-this gift is priceless. So in light of this Jesus comes to us right now and says, "Do not worry." He will take care of us. He will provide for us. He will meet all of your needs.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:25

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Jesus commands us not to worry. In the same way that we are commanded not to kill, or steal or covet, we are commanded not to worry. Shouldn’t we as followers of Christ look radically different from the world? The economy falls apart- we don’t worry. Are children get sick- we don’t worry. How can we do this?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

- Matthew 7:11 

Your heavenly Father KNOWS your exact needs AND He will GIVE you EVERYTHING you need TODAY

BUT now we must make a DECISION to LIVE for HIM and to make the Kingdom of God our primary concern.

Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world.            

~Anso Coetzer