CHAPTER 1: LESS FRET, MORE FAITH
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
—PSALM 37:8
Be anxious for nothing.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:6
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with . . . the anxieties of life.”
—LUKE 21:34 NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:4–8
CHAPTER 2: REJOICE IN THE LORD’S SOVEREIGNTY
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
—PHILIPPIANS 4:4
The things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.
—PHILIPPIANS 1:12–13
Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
—PHILIPPIANS 1:18 NLT
God highly exalted [Jesus] and gave Him the name that is above every name.
—PHILIPPIANS 2:9 HCSB
God . . . works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
—PHILIPPIANS 2:13
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
—PROVERBS 21:30 NIV
[God] does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”
—DANIEL 4:35 NIV
[God] sustains all things.
—HEBREWS 1:3 NRSV
[God can] whistle for the fly that is in the farthest part of the rivers of Egypt.
—ISAIAH 7:18
Who can act against you without the Lord’s permission? It is the Lord who helps one and harms another.
—LAMENTATIONS 3:37–38 TLB
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”
—ISAIAH 6:1–3
[He] is the Creator, who is blessed forever.
—ROMANS 1:25
[He] is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
—HEBREWS 13:8
[His] years will never end.
—PSALM 102:27 NIV
My soul has been rejected from peace;
I have forgotten happiness.
So I say, “My strength has perished,
And so has my hope from the Lord.”
Remember my affliction and my wandering,
the wormwood and bitterness.
Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD.
—LAMENTATIONS 3:17–26 NASB
In everything God works for the good of those who love him.
—ROMANS 8:28 NCV
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!
—ISAIAH 26:3 TLB
CHAPTER 3: REJOICE IN THE LORD’S MERCY
When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
—PSALM 32:3–4 NLT
If anyone ever had reason to hope that he could save himself, it would be I [Paul]. If others could be saved by what they are, certainly I could! For I went through the Jewish initiation ceremony when I was eight days old, having been born into a pure-blooded Jewish home that was a branch of the old original Benjamin family. So I was a real Jew if there ever was one! What’s more, I was a member of the Pharisees who demand the strictest obedience to every Jewish law and custom. And sincere? Yes, so much so that I greatly persecuted the Church; and I tried to obey every Jewish rule and regulation right down to the very last point. But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile—now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone.
—PHILIPPIANS 3:4–7 TLB
I [Paul] am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ.
—PHILIPPIANS 3:9 NCV
I [Paul] am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.
—PHILIPPIANS 3:13–14 TLB
God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! . . . Tell them all this. Build up their courage.
—TITUS 2:11, 15 THE MESSAGE
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us.
—PHILIPPIANS 3:13–14 TLB
And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom. May He be glorified throughout eternity. Amen.
—2 TIMOTHY 4:18 THE VOICE
CHAPTER 4: REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
—HEBREWS 1:3 NIV
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
—COLOSSIANS 1:17 NIV
“For in him we live and move and have our being.”
—ACTS 17:28 NIV
[He] works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
—EPHESIANS 1:11 NIV
He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.
—PSALM 104:14–15 NIV
“[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
—MATTHEW 5:45 NIV
The Most High God rules the kingdom of men, and sets over it whom he will.
—DANIEL 5:21 RSV
It is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.
—PSALM 75:7 NRSV
The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his mind.
—JEREMIAH 30:24 NRSV
In him we were also chosen, . . . according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
—EPHESIANS 1:11 NIV
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”
—GENESIS 50:20–21 NIV
“This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
—ACTS 2:23–24 NIV, EMPHASIS MINE
In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
—ROMANS 8:28 NIV
CHAPTER 5: CONTAGIOUS CALM
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:5–6 NIV
“Do not be afraid. . . . I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
—GENESIS 15:1
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
—GENESIS 26:24 NLT
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
—JOSHUA 1:9 NIV
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
—PSALM 118:6 NIV
Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
—JOHN 6:5–6
“Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
—MATTHEW 14:15
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
—JOHN 6:10–13 NIV
CHAPTER 6: PRAYER, NOT DESPAIR
“Don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? . . . I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly!”
—LUKE 18: 7–8 NLT
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:6
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
—1 PETER 5:7 NIV
Put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence.
—ISAIAH 62:6 AMPC
“Put Me in remembrance;
Let us contend together.”
—ISAIAH 43:26
You said you would walk me through the waters.
—ISAIAH 43:2, AUTHOR’S PARAPHRASE
You said you would lead me through the valley.
—PSALM 23:4, AUTHOR’S PARAPHRASE
You said that you would never leave or forsake me.
—HEBREWS 13:5, AUTHOR’S PARAPHRASE
Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters.
—EPHESIANS 6:18 THE MESSAGE
CHAPTER 7: GREAT GRATITUDE
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.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:6–7
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:11–13 NIV
I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:12 HCSB
To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.
—PHILIPPIANS 1:21 NCV
CHAPTER 8: GOD’S PEACE, YOUR PEACE
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:7
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
—JOHN 14:27 NIV
All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation.
—HEBREWS 1:14 NCV
“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.”
—DANIEL 10:12 NIV
“I will contend with him who contends with you.”
—ISAIAH 49:25
Those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
—ISAIAH 40:31
He [God] has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go.
—PSALM 91:11 NCV
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
—JOHN 10:14 NIV
You are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
—GALATIANS 4:7 NLT
“For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.”
—ACTS 27:23
All the days planned for me
were written in your book
before I was one day old.
—PSALM 139:16 NCV
“In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.”
—JOHN 16:33 NCV
“Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
—2 CHRONICLES 20:15
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
—ISAIAH 43:2 NIV
CHAPTER 9: THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT
Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.
—PROVERBS 4:23 NCV
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:8 NLT
Anxiety weighs down the human heart.
—PROVERBS 12:25 NRSV
Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.
—2 CORINTHIANS 10:5 NCV
Fasten the belt of truth around your waist.
—EPHESIANS 6:14 NRSV
O my soul, bless GOD, don’t forget a single blessing!
—PSALM 103:2 THE MESSAGE
CHAPTER 10: CLING TO CHRIST
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:8 NLT
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
—JOHN 15:4–10 NASB
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. . . . Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? . . . Consider the lilies . . . even Solomon . . . was not arrayed like one of these.”
—MATTHEW 6:25–29
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
—COLOSSIANS 3:2
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
—JOHN 8:31–32 ESV
CHAPTER 11: C.A.L.M.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 vir- tue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:4–8
“Be careful. Be calm and don’t worry.”
—ISAIAH 7:4 NCV
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
—PHILIPPIANS 4:4
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
—PSALM 121:1–2
Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.”
JESUS SAID, “COME.”
And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”
—MATTHEW 14:28–30 NCV
God . . . is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters.
—1 TIMOTHY 6:15 PHILLIPS
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
—ROMANS 8:1 NIV
Let your requests be made known to God.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:6
“Call on me in the day of trouble.”
—PSALM 50:15 NIV
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
—MATTHEW 7:7
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.
—HEBREWS 4:16 NIV
Guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:7
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
—2 TIMOTHY 1:12
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.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:8