Philippians 4:4-7

This passage is very common and quoted quite often, yet I wonder how often we deeply consider the implications that these words have for our lives.

Paul starts this chapter with another introduction of sorts, giving a message of encouragement and requesting support for some of his partners in the work of the Gospel (Euodia and Syntyche) (Phil. 4:1-3). Then, he jumps right in, cuts right to the chase: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice” (v. 4). He reminds the Philippian church not once, but twice, to rejoice in God. It’s almost as if Paul is saying, “In case you didn’t read the first part, let me say it again.” He doesn’t want them to miss it. Not only does he invite them to rejoice, but he encourages them, saying, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (v. 5). The nearness of God is a reason to rejoice in itself! God’s very Self is near to us, and this is a cause for joy and celebration! As Paul says later, God’s presence also brings us peace at the same time. I can’t help but wonder what gentle rejoicing looks like here…. What does it mean for our joy to also be held in a posture of gentleness? As we lean into God’s nearness how are peace, gentleness, and joy held together?

Paul goes on: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, **which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 6-7). I’ve noticed that we tend to make a separation between these two verses and the ones that come before it. I wonder if it should read more like, “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.” God’s closeness should, in itself, be a source of comfort and peace in our times of worry.

Paul then mentions the practice of prayer in two of its many forms: supplication and thanksgiving. He invites the readers to lean into God’s nearness, being brave and vulnerable enough to both reveal our celebrations and our laments, both our assurances and our worries. This God is open to receiving our whole selves – worry and all.

Paul might not have known this, but rejoicing in God’s nearness and holding our requests with thanksgiving actually reduces anxiety. There have been numerous psychological studies published about the benefits of gratitude. Intentionally practicing thankfulness has been proven to produce “better psychological health, including higher levels of perceived social support and lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety” (Allen, 2018, p. 36). When we are able to name the things that we are grateful for, even if it’s all mixed with our worries and our supplications, we can find peace. This peace that Paul describes is much more profound than a psychological coping skill. In fact, as we lean into God’s presence, opening ourselves more and more, God’s peace fills us in a way that we may not comprehend.

Really, this passage is about holy living. God has already moved in close, God is already near and accessible to us. We are then invited to draw in as well, opening ourselves to receive more of God, even in the midst of chaos and worry. As we continually accept God’s invitation for communion, we discover that God is growing and transforming us. Here, that looks like embodied rejoicing, seeping gentleness, and unexplainable peace.

May we draw in close – just as God as moved in close to us – and may we discover that we are upheld by “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding” (v. 7).

Allen, S. (2018). The science of gratitude. Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf (berkeley.edu)