Daily Walk Through the New Testament
January 4
Read Philippians 4:1-23

The word worry comes from an old word meaning “to choke or strangle.” The more you fret, the more you feel cut off from the peace and presence of God. But God can help us not to be consumed by our anxiety, and He tells us what we can do to receive His help in Philippians 4:6-7.
Verse 6 says, in direct contrast to being anxious, that you are to be in prayer, which can be defined as “adoration of God.” Instead of pouting, praise Him. Instead of worrying, confess that your feelings are unconscious blasphemy against God’s caring character. Prayer speaks of being in the sphere of God’s presence. He is with you wherever you go and in whatever you encounter, no matter how you feel. Talk to Him now.
Next, make supplication to Him by asking for help in specific areas of your life. After each daily devotion or quiet time, you should leave having asked a certain thing of God and expecting His answer. It may be go (yes), no, or slow (wait awhile). Be sure to tack on a “PS” to every petition with your thanksgiving, as verse 6 says. We are often quick to ask but slow to appreciate how God has answered prayers in the past.
Only when you have done all these things will His peace guard your heart and flood your life with joy, contentment, strength, and provision (Philippians 4:7, 10-11, 13, 17). God is calling you to direct your mind toward Him and to dwell on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy (4:8). Replace your worries with worship!