In Philippians 4:6-8, Paul says, “Be anxious for nothing, (don’t worry) but in everything by prayer .  .  with thanksgiving,   .  .  [ask for what you need]; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. .  .  ., whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, .  .  [worth knowing], whatever is virtuous and worthy of being praised—meditate on these things.” (Tex’s paraphrase)

So what is this passage about, really?  It’s about the war that’s going on in our hearts and minds, the struggle between good and evil, between the flesh and the Spirit, between the peace of Jesus and the worry of the devil, between fear and happiness, between life and death.  It focuses on the eternal question of, “How are you going to live your life?”  Are you going to live under the cloud of worry, stress, care, and doubt?  Are you going to continue to try to take care of yourself?  Are you going to let the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches (read: work, houses, cars, trips, fame, fortune) choke out the Presence of God and leave you a shriveled shadow?  Do you realize how bad you need some relief?

This is your lucky day!  If you’re looking for relief, have I got a deal for you!  The short version of what this passage is about is, “What are we going to do about fear and worry?”  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”  Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey!