Understand The Times, International

"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

Comment:

Many Christians go through life anxious and worried. There are many things that they are confronted with on a daily basis that can bring this about, especially if they go about their lives without recognizing what it means to trust in Jesus. Prayer is the provision we have been given to make our needs known. We must also realize that it is easy for us to become worried and distressed when things do not go the way we expect they should. We should keep our focus on Christ and not concentrate on negative thoughts that bring depression and anxiety.

Application:

All of us know acquaintances who do not have anything good to say about anything. We also may know others who are completely the opposite. They are constantly smiling and have a positive attitude. If you have a choice, which of these two different personalities possess the characteristics of someone you want to spend time with? Paul provides the answer to this question in his letter to the Philippians. Take the time to think about your own life. How do others view you? Are you anxious, worried and constantly critical of others, or are you a person who others want to be around because of the way you deal with the problems of life?