I want to give you five steps to mental health. We are going to have a mental check-up from the neck up. Paul writes these words from a prison. It sounds like he is writing from a hotel! There are many things that make a prison – disappointment, fear, etc.

1. Learn to rejoice in the presence of the Lord (vs. 4-5)

Paul was in prison with the Lord. He was in a prison but Jesus was there with him. It did not matter where Paul was. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. The joy is to be constant. It is a thermostat not a thermometer. If you do not have joy then Jesus is not real for you. See Psalm 16:7. They can lock you up but they cannot lock Jesus out. Rejoice in the Lord always.

2. Rely on the power of the Lord (vs. 6)

If you have problems then take it to God in prayer. Worry in your life is like sand in machinery. See Matthew 6. Worry does not do any good. Worry takes the joy out of today. Worry is wasteful. Worry is evil. Worry about nothing and pray about everything.

3. Reflect on the provision of the Lord (vs. 6)

There is not higher expression of faith than thanksgiving. Worry is the greatest expression of disbelief. Don’t take things for granted take them with gratitude. See Psalm 68:19.

4. Trust in the peace of the Lord (vs. 7)

God had his garrison guarding Paul. The Bible peace is a peace that keeps you. You cannot get it from anything you get it from someone – God. He will keep you in perfect peace – no matter what the circumstances.

5. Reflect on the purpose of God (vs. 8)

You can choose your thoughts like you can choose your friends. You need to think upon the right things and not the wrong thinks. You can be surrounded beauty and not see it. This book was written from a prison! Do these things and the peace of God will be with you.

Categories: Philippians