Philippians 4:19 Take It Easy
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (NKJV).
“Take it Easy” doesn’t sound much like a Christian devotional, does it? A recent sermon I heard prompted this title. The pastor asked how many have been or are worried, upset, concerned about the state of the world today. When many of us raised our hands, he chastised us. He reminded us that God has not been, nor is He surprised by Covid 19, the current racial tension, or the many words of hate being spewed throughout this land. While difficult times may occur, and crises may happen, Psalm 91 (NKJV) tells us, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust.’” Psalm 91 goes on to say in verse 7, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.” The Word further reassures us in Ph 4:19 (NKJV), “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
My needs are supplied, and I am protected by the God of the universe who calls me His son. Yes, His Word speaks of Jesus as my brother. Romans 8:29 (NKJV) tells us, “For whom he foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” We are joint heirs along with His Son, Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NKJV) says, “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and the partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel.”
A return to Psalms tells us in Psalm 37:1-2, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall be soon cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” We are instructed in verse 8 of the same chapter of Psalms, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.” We are told not only to not fret, but also to cease from anger and wrath because harm is the result. Sounds a little bit like “Take It Easy” to me.
In the sense of rejoicing over the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the glory of our God, “Take It Easy” doesn’t seem to be an option, but rather a command. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!”(Ph 4:4 NKJV) David says in Psalm 101 (NKJV), “I will sing of mercy and justice; to You, O Lord, I will sing praises.” In the days of Moses, Miriam said in Exodus 15:1 (NKJV), “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!”
The message seems to be: Rejoice in the Lord, and fret not the troublesome times.