While studying Philippians 4 verses 4-9 really stood out to me. I have read this passage time and time again over the years, and never made the connection that I made during this current study. Of course in the past I have only read the passage and not studied it or concentrated on what was truly being said. I think that most people fail to make connections while reading the Word because they are just reading and not studying.
For the first time it became obvious to me that these verses are a road map at how to handle stress in my life. Maybe others have seen this connection before, but for me it just clicked this time around.
Philippians 4:4-9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
When encounter times of trouble, stress, disappointment, and unrest we should: Rejoice, Pray and Think.