Please read these verses in your own Bible or on Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A+1-9&version=NIV
v 1: Because of their glorious future and because of the joy and pride Paul takes in them, the Philippians are exhorted to be unshakable in their faith.
v 2-3: Quarrels happen; but they will undermine the whole church if not resolved. Paul appeals to similarity (faith in Christ) instead of differences. Everyone is to serve as peacemaker, helping these women find common ground: all of them are working together for the same goal.
v 4-5: Joy and gentleness, because the Lord is near.
v 6-7: And because He is near, don’t worry (this is a command), but come confidently and thankfully with every request, our right as His children. (God cares about all aspects of our lives, not just what we consider the “big stuff.” If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look ‘little’ or ‘big’.” – Elisabeth Elliot) If we rejoice and pray with thanksgiving, unexplainable peace – God’s peace – will result, the peace that protects hearts and minds.
v 8: But in order for God’s peace to protect our minds, we must discipline our thoughts. Note the adjectives: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Using our discernment, we are to fill our minds with only the best, refusing to dwell on fear, worry, evil, etc. (Including things like “I’m so fat… or stupid… or such a failure.” You know, those things we tell ourselves about ourselves? True? Maybe, but definitely not lovely. Or kind. Not what God sees, either, and therefore not worth dwelling on.)
v 9: With our minds in order, we can better practice our faith. Paul calls us to do what we have been taught, follow up on what we have heard, emulate what we have seen. And with all these things: continuous joy, gentleness, faith, peace, disciplined minds, Christian actions, we will prove the very presence of God in our lives.
Oh, Lord, there is a lot here. Thank You that we do not have to learn and practice all this alone. You have given us each other as companions on the journey, and You have given us Yourself as leader, guide and Savior. Just as we feast on the good to nourish our physical lives one meal at a time, let us feast on the best to nourish our hearts, minds and spirits one step at a time. For Your sake, and in Your name, we pray. Amen.
This is great!