Sermon Cloud

An Attitude of Gratitude

A Four-Step Stress Management Strategy

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Philippians 4:4

Step One:  Worry About Nothing

Do not be anxious about anything . . . v. 6a

Do not fret or have any anxiety . . .  (amplified)

Worry:  Assuming responsibility that God never intended for me to have.

Research on Worry:             % never happen 

         % concern the past      % needless about health

         % insignificant/petty issues       % legitimate concerns

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34

        Insight:  In order to relieve stress live one day at a time.

Step Two:  Pray About Everything

. . . but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  V. 6b

        Petition:  Specific and detailed request.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7

        Insight:  There is no problem that is too big for God’s power or too small for God’s concern.

Step Three:  Thank God for All Things

. . . but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  V. 6b

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,  for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

        Insight: There is always something to be grateful for.

Step Four:  Think About the Right Things

Finally, brothers, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

        As a man thinks in his heart, so he is.  Proverbs 23:7

        Insight:  Whatever I think about is what I am becoming

THE RESULTS:  Experience the peace of God

        And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  V. 7

And the peace of God will be with you.  V. 9b