Paul found his joy in the Lord, and from his fellowship with other believers. Listen to his words in Philippians 4:1. It says, “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.”

In verse 4 he encouraged them to “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Verse 6 helps us see a trap that we can easily fall into. It says, “Be anxious for nothing…” What is the antidote? The verse goes on, “…but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

How often do we include thanksgiving when we are asking the Lord to help us in a situation that is making us feel anxious? Entertaining anxious thoughts, blocks His two irrevocable gifts of joy and peace. 

Verse 7 says that when we include thanksgiving with our petitions, “…the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds…”