Daily Thought

This Philippian letter is lovely to read and is full of Christ, but in the final chapter it is the Lord and His lordship that is the prominent theme.

An acknowledgement of His lordship together with the realization of His presence with us, v. 5, are coupled with exhortations to rejoice. The saints at Philippi were to let their ‘moderation’ or ‘yieldedness’ be known unto all men, v. 5. This is an attitude of mind that promotes harmony and unity amongst God’s people and seemed to be lacking at Philippi, see 2. 3; 4. 2.

We are exhorted to be careful for nothing, and not be over anxious about the cares of this life, but to be prayerful about everything. The word ‘nothing’ is in marked contrast to the words ‘every thing’. We should take all matters to the Lord; nothing is too great or small. The Lord Jesus said, ‘Take no thought for your life’, Matt. 6. 25, and we should remember the words of Peter, ‘Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you’, 1 Pet. 5. 7.

In verse 6 we are encouraged to approach God, and differing aspects of approach are mentioned such as prayers, supplications, thanksgivings, and requests.

‘Prayer’ is the more general word; we should live our lives in the atmosphere of prayer. ‘Supplications’ would be the more specific requests, and all requests should be made to God with thanksgivings.

If these things characterize our prayer lives, then we will experience ‘the peace of God’, which is that complete rest which floods the soul of the believer wholly resting in God. Anxiety is replaced by the ‘peace which passeth all understanding’; that which garrisons the heart; that inner strength that only the Christian knows and experiences, particularly in times of adversity.

We should then be anxious for nothing, be prayerful for everything, and be thankful for anything.