Follow Faithful Examples: Walking with Gospel Focus
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast…
Isaiah 26:3
Why do we need godly examples? Philippians 3:17 reminds us that following faithful believers helps us stay focused on Christ.
Paul knows something about anxious hearts. He also knows telling a worried person, “Stop worrying,” is like telling a storm, “Stop raining.” So he gives us something better than a scolding. He gives us a pathway:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:4
Before he addresses anxiety, he anchors us in presence: the Lord is near. Not “the Lord is far away, and you’d better get your act together.” Nearness changes everything. Anxious care is out of place, not because it’s silly, but because God is present.
Paul declares:
Do not be anxious about anything.
Philippians 4:6
Paul’s word “anything” is sweeping. Anything: the bills, the child you can’t control, the diagnosis, the marriage tension, the future you cannot see.
But he doesn’t leave us empty-handed. Here is the “put off / put on” of repentance and faith:
Put off anxiety.
Put on prayer.
In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Avoiding Spiritual Drift
This is not rushed, polite praying. The word Paul uses conveys the sense of worshipful devotion, of coming into God’s presence and acknowledging who He is, and then petition: specific requests, named plainly.
Then comes the part we often skip: “with thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is not pretending the problem isn’t painful. Thanksgiving is confessing, “Lord, You know the bigger picture. You are wise. You are good. You are doing more than making my life comfortable, you are conforming me to the image of Christ” (Rom. 8:29).
This is where we clash with God’s purposes. Our interest is comfort. God’s interest is Christlikeness. This means He may allow pressures that expose our idols and train our trust. It may mean a rebellious child faces consequences you cannot prevent. It may mean financial strain teaches dependence and reorders priorities. It may mean you learn to step back, painfully, and let God be God.
Then Paul promises something astonishing: “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds” (Phil. 4:7). Guard, like a soldier at the door, or a sentinel who says to anxiety, “You are not allowed to take over this place.”
Peace doesn’t mean you never feel fear. It means fear no longer rules. Peace stands watch.
Paul continues, your thought-life matters. “Whatever is true… noble… right… pure… lovely… admirable… think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). When I’m in conflict with someone, my mind loves to build a prosecuting case: Everything she does is wrong. Paul says, “No, think: Choose what is true.” Not what is exaggerated, assumed, or what your bitterness edits into the story. Ouch. Convicting words for me.
This is why Philippians 4 is so practical: it gives you something to do when your mind starts spiraling.
Pray
Petition
Thank
Think
Will you have to do it again and again? Yes. Some of us were raised in a culture of worry.
Worry feels like being responsible. But worry is not love or faithfulness. Instead, worry is often a way of grasping for control. And Paul is clear: anxiety does not belong on the throne. Christ does. And remember, Paul speaks from the context of experiencing anxiety and fear, learning to be content wherever God placed him.
Encouraging One Another Forward
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Memorize Philippians 4:6–8 and use it like a tool, not a slogan. When anxiety rises, do this in order.
Name the worry.
Turn it into a specific request.
Add one sentence of thanksgiving about God’s character.
Choose one “true and lovely” thought to replace the spiral.
PRAYER
Father, You know how easily my mind runs toward worry. Thank You that You are near. Teach me to turn anxiety into prayer, and prayer into thanksgiving. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace in Christ Jesus. Train my thoughts to dwell on what is true and honoring to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
