Phil. 4:4 “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 everything, 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, 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.”

We are about to the end of the Church Year – that is, the calendar that we follow during the year in our preaching and our teaching. The first half (re the life of Christ) starts with Advent and Christmas and ends with Christ’s death resurrection and ascension into heaven. This second half [following Trinity (or Pentecost)] Sundays deal with two general themes of Christian living; 1) enduring hardships and 2) rejoicing in salvation.

Now, our text today – actually this whole letter to the Philippians -- is an excellent harmonization of these two themes. We see Paul obviously expressing joy and peace – and so we look to find out why. Yet we know that Paul suffered many hardships: some life-long illness (pain) plagued him, shipwreck, beatings, and imprisonment. What is it that Paul was experiencing when he wrote these passages? He was obviously in good humor. We know that he had a soft spot in his heart for the church at Philippi. This was his first European church, founded bout AD 51, in the early part of his second missionary journey. Among his converts there were Lydia, the seller of purple; and later the jailer, and there was the beloved physician Luke who wrote the third Gospel and served as pastor to the Philippians. As far as we can tell, the Philippian church was probably the purest and most faithful of all the New Testament churches.

It was now ten years later, 61 AD, and Paul is writing from Rome. It had been three or four years since he had visited Philippi. He had not heard from them for some time and may have been wondering if they had forgotten him (not likely) or if some false teacher had come along to misguide them , as was the case at the church in Corinth. After all, Philippi and Corinth had many things in common. Both were part of what we know now as Greece. Both were important cities on the great northern highway between the east and the west. New ideas and strange new religions would naturally gravitate to these cities.

But Paul’s fears were dismissed when a messenger (Epaphroditus) arrived from Philippi with an offering of money for Paul. He was deeply touched and profoundly grateful, for he was in great need. Yet, he was experiencing joy and an inner peace, based upon: 1) anticipation, 2) supplication, and 3) concentration. I want to speak to you this morning about those very qualities for Christian living.

Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” On the surface, this may seem very simplistic, but it’s obvious throughout Paul’s entire letter to the Philippians that he had made up HIS mind to be happy! We are looking this morning at Chapter 4. But Paul writes, as follows, in the chapters preceding our text: 1:3-4 “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” 1:18 “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,” 1:25 “I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,.” 2:2 “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” 2:17-18 “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” 3:1 “my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!” 4:10 “I rejoice greatly in the Lord.” 4:11 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” That’s a lot of rejoicing!

Paul knew that the source of true joy, peace and contentment is living in the presence of Jesus in the believer’s heart. It is simple, but it is true, 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” It is good to be reminded of this, for we truly live in a very troubled and sinful world! Some time ago Dr. William Jansen, the President of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod once wrote to his fellow pastors:

“You feel it keenly, don’t you? The ‘uneasiness’ that is abroad, not only in our nation, but in our church too. You wonder, don’t you, what’s ahead? Where is our nation going? Where is the church going? We talk of peace and joy, but we pray that it may soon be felt in some special way. How long will this uncertainty last? But then I think of the birth of God. This was in a stable. The last time I was in a stable I didn’t think of peace and joy! And then, I think of the cross. Where is the peace and joy in that? Ah, -- the mystery of His birth and His death. In the midst of the worst of life there is peace and joy. God showed us how - in His Son. Take heart, brothers. He will be with you till the end of the age!”

Christians know that Christ can and does make the difference in every situation. Young Christians, sometimes, have to know this by faith – older Christians (I’m not pointing fingers!) also know this by their experiences in life. Things that are seemingly impossible for us – are possible for God. And if you expect – or anticipate failure and misery and sorrow – you will surely experience the blues. However, if you anticipate joy and peace (not always ‘victory’ or ‘success’ in human terms) but still, joy and peace through Christ -- Because of Christ -- then you will have and will experience the joy and peace of His eternal victory – “the joy of salvation.” This is not just wishful thinking. This is not the power of positive thinking. This is the power of the Holy Spirit which gives us the peace and joy of Christ through His presence in our lives and our hearts and our knowledge of his care and the promise of eternal life.

The story is told of a young man who grew up on a small farm where ‘horsepower’ meant horses! He loved the team of horses. When he was nine he asked his father to let him hold the reins. Father agreed. The boy stood between his father’s legs as he sat on the springboard. The horses appeared even larger than usual as the boy held the reins so close to them. Suddenly one of the horses threw his heads to the side, irritated by a buzzing fly. The boy felt the sharp tug on the line. He had visions of things getting out of control. He excitedly looked over his shoulder – and discovered that his father was smiling. His large hands wee on the reins in back of the boy’s hands. The young man smiled and relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

We too, can smile and relax and enjoy ‘the ride’ -- that inner joy and peace and comfort, knowing that our heavenly Father’s hands are always in back of our own – holding the reins of our life securely and protecting us.

Then Paul writes: “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

These words emphasize Jesus teachings from the Sermon on the Mount: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…. your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mt. 6:25-33)

“Prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving” means that we learn to “let go and let God” take over our burdens. Another story:

A woman was running to catch a bus. The driver saw her coming and waited for her to catch up and climb aboard. As the bus began moving, she stood there huffing and puffing – trying to catch her breath. She still clutched the suitcase that she had been carrying. At last the bus driver said to her, “Madam, you can put down your suitcase now, the bus will carry it from here.”

Sometimes when we offer our petitions -- our supplications -- to God, we often fail to let go. We continue to worry about the problem. Our anxiety – our worry – is a form of sin (yes -- we are all sinful!) – because it does demonstrate a certain lack of faith. And Christ has commanded us to pray in faith – we know that faith can move mountains – and most of us have experienced God’s working in answer to our prayers in ways that could well be described as a “miracle.” And we know that God is faithful to his promises – all of them – and that with this faith and confidence we will experience Paul’s joy and peace each time we pray – turning our needs and concerns over to God.

Often in our busy, confused and hectic world today – we find ourselves seeking first “all of these things” of this world – and sort of hoping, as an after thought, that His kingdom and righteousness might be ours as well. It is no wonder then, wrapped up by these “things” that we would feel anxiety and worry. It is when we are in God’s Word, in worship, in Christian fellowship – that we have really put God first in seeking His kingdom, and we are comforted knowing that God hears and answers our prayers. And there are many ways to pray and many ways that God answers our prayers.

An illustration (probably anecdotal, but educational nonetheless!): An unusual gift was found in the offering plate one Sunday morning – the wishbone of a large chicken! According to the usher, it had been placed there by a member of the Jennison family. Some thought that it was a joke, and kind of funny. Others thought that it was sacrilegious. The pastor thought it was curious – and so went to visit the family for an explanation.

The pastor put the wishbone in his pocket and set off to see the Jennisons. There he felt an undercurrent of tension, friction and uneasiness in the house. “A wishbone in the collection plate?” Mrs. Jennison burst out laughing. “Oh how wonderful! I wish that I could take credit, but I can’t. As for my husband, well, I don’t think he has enough imagination for that.” And sure enough, Mr. Jennison denied the irreverent deed. “You don’t suppose it was Tina, do you?” When the child was confronted with the wishbone, she began to sob, “I wanted God to help with my wish.” For a moment nobody spoke. The Pastor asked, “What wish, Lisa?” The small voice was almost inaudible: “That daddy and mommy wouldn’t fight. That we’d all be happy, the way we used to be.”

The parents sat very still. Their eyes were filled with tears over their daughter’s (and family’s) sadness. The pastor went to the child who looked miserable and lost. He took the wishbone out of his pocket – “You were looking in the right place when you took this wishbone to church,” her said, “but there is a much better way – and that is to ask God to make your wish come true. Let’s all join hands and ask God to help you.” Father, mother, pastor and Lisa each gave a short prayer from the depths of their hearts. Each confessed putting things and success before God and their love for one another. Each one gave thanks to God for their continued faith and their love for Christ and each other. They also asked God to forgive them and strengthen them as they made a new beginning in making a Christian home – where Jesus would come first, others and themselves next and last.

This might be our supplication for our’ and for all families on earth. Following Paul’s lead, this takes us to the next step: We, and our families, experience joy and peace when we pray for it à and when we work for it. It’s concentration on our Christian life and teaching and goals. Very often God answers our prayers by (how do I say it?) ….by inspiring us…by guiding us…by motivating us?… through the Holy Spirit working in us – He who works through God’s Word and the Sacraments – in answer to our prayers and attention. – and so moves us.

Following our prayers and supplications, we must engage regularly in reading God’s Word, in family devotions, in worship and fellowship and communion with one another. In short: by being “disciples” – learners and followers of God’s Word. That is really putting into practice the advise of Paul in verse 4:8: “Finally, brothers, 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.”

You have heard the expression, “You are what you eat.” I suppose this is true to a certain extent – a good diet helps build a healthy body. However, it is more accurate when it comes to the mind and the soul. You are what you immerse yourself in. You are what you think. Proverbs states: “ For as (a man) thinketh is his heart.” (23:7 KJV)

I’m sure that almost all of us spend more time on television than we do on God’s Word. And I will even limit that to television content with sappy family-derisive shows, immoral sexual content, or extreme violence and gross-ness. TV is not by itself evil – it is great for tracking hurricanes, weather, national and world news, market conditions, sports and such. But is that the content of all the television that we watch? And TV distorts our moral values. There is so much violence, it inures or insulates us to it. One study says that the average child will see 50,000 people killed by the time he reaches 15 years of age!

St. Paul knew that we must concentrate on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious. Have you noticed? These all refer to God – they are truly Godly tributes. We are to take time out in our day to be alone with God –to concentrate on the things of God – to feel his peace and joy. Our generation has made war on: solitude, on meditation, on concentration, on being alone – or alone with God. We have plugged ourselves into TVs in every room, radios, cell phones, auto CD’s, Ipods (those music things kids plug in their ears), computers, movie, concerts…. Our world is lived amid perpetual noise – it is no wonder that peace and joy are so rare.

As God’s people – Christians – we must learn to concentrate and prioritize things in this noisy, crazy, mixed up, upside down world of ours. We must concentrate --- on the things of God.

St. Paul felt joy and peace because he anticipated that God was in control and that all things would work out for his (and God’s) good; he took everything to Lord in prayer, so that the Holy Spirit would sustain him; and he learned to concentrate upon God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Nothing else really mattered to him – so he could profess (4:11) “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

Let us pray that we might always follow Paul’s good example, that, as Paul concludes (4:7), “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard (our) hearts and (our) minds in Christ Jesus.”