Too Blessed To Be Stressed

C. What to Pray: In the midst of our current global issues with this pandemic, or with any other stressful, harassing, threatening, or difficult situation, let’s ask the question, “WHAT” should I pray for? Let me offer a couple of suggestions.

1. Wisdom: I’m reminded of Solomon’s request when God offered him anything he wanted. Faced with the overwhelming task of leading the massive nation that David had built up, he asked for wisdom. I think that’s a sound decision whenever we come up against anything that is overwhelming. James reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” [James 1:5 NKJV]. As a pastor, therapist, and father, that is probably my biggest “supplication” I bring to my Father in heaven each day – the wisdom to have a calm and proper perspective. I ask God to fill my vessel with His wisdom, that I may then pour it out on others.

2. Peace: Then pray the promise found in v7 of our text. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Phil. 4:7 ESV]. In the midst of a challenge, threat, or difficult, pray for peace. Oh, not just any peace, but the peace of God – profoundly beyond our own understanding. How do you stop legitimate concerns from becoming worry and anxiety? How do you keep potential fears in check? Pray the peace of God that controls our hearts & minds! That beautiful provision of God’s amazing peace is the calm in the midst of the storm. I saw a meme on Facebook with a picture of Jesus walking on the water in the storm. The text said, “Keep your eyes on me, not on the storm.” YES! That’s the key: From our knees we look upward in the faith and trust of a little child, petitioning God for His peace in the midst of the storm – and He can, He will, and He promises to deliver! That peace beyond understanding is our assurance that God is indeed with us in our time of need.

III. Be Positive In your Thinking. Verse 7 mentions God’s provision of peace that will guard our heart and mind, which leads us to the next command that Paul gives. It’s about keeping our mind in check – allowing God’s peace that staying power to keep us from venturing into fear and worry. In verse 8, Paul tells the believers of Philippi some things to think about. The list is very positive, meant to elevate us to “count our blessings.” This is not the “power of positive thinking,” but genuine meditation on the blessings of God.

A. The List: Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise – think about these things. [Illustration] In my office, there are a variety of artifacts from mission trips, various gifts, and framed photos, predominantly of my daughter. Everything there tells a story. Actual “stones” brought back from mission trips; “stones of remembrance” I call them, that lead me to think about the people with whom we shared Jesus – and the church members I took on the mission field. The pictures of my daughter; from her first to her most recent (a few dozen I must admit), remind me of the incredible blessing that is mine as her father. A picture behind my desk of my wife in her bridal gown – such a profound moment of joy. Everywhere I look, I see reminders of how much and how wonderfully God has blessed me over the years of my life. Just these simple things in my office remind me of the things on Paul’s list -and so much more! I sit here and fully realize – like my friend Jerry – I am TOOOO blessed to be stressed! The old hymn reminds us, “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings – see what God has done! You want to keep your mind at peace and from running with the fears that creep in? Dwell on the blessings of God.