God’s Remedy for Anxiety

Passage: Philippians 4:4-9

Speaker: Pastor Gary Hamrick

Main Teaching: Reasons to Rejoice – Part 9

• Paul commands believers to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (repeated for emphasis).
• Life’s stresses increase with age; joy must be fought for.
• 19% of adults and 39% of youth (13–18) struggle with anxiety disorders.
• Paul gives two practical remedies for anxiety:

1. The Power of Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
• Prayer (proseuchē) = communication with God (thanksgiving, worship, confession, intercession).
• Supplication (deēsis) = specific petitions/requests.
• Must be coupled with thanksgiving — gratitude for who God is, not just what He does.
• Result: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

2. The Medication of Meditation (Philippians 4:8-9)

• Replace anxious thoughts by meditating on what is:
  • True
  • Noble / Honorable
  • Just / Right
  • Pure
  • Lovely
  • Of good report / Admirable
  • Virtuous / Excellent
  • Praiseworthy
• Battle for the mind: “Take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
• Paul modeled these qualities even while in prison.
• Result: “The God of peace will be with you.”

Summary: Through prayer (releasing everything to God with thanksgiving) and meditation (focusing the mind on godly things), we receive both the peace of God and the God of peace.

Announcements

• Easter Services (invite someone who doesn’t attend church):
  • Saturday, April 4th – Two evening services in the courtyard
  • Sunday, April 5th – Sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. (courtyard, weather permitting), followed by regular services
• Volunteers still needed for Easter — visit https://cornerstonechapel.net/events
• This Wednesday, March 25th (new service time 6:30 p.m.):
  • Baby dedications during the 6:30 p.m. service
  • Baptisms in the courtyard at 7:30 p.m.
  • Dinner available in the café at 5:30 p.m.
  • Orientation class (for new volunteers & Sunday school teachers) at 6:30 p.m.
  • More info: https://cornerstonechapel.net/events
• Homecoming Picnic for online viewers:
  • Sunday, May 24th at 1:15 p.m. (park area)
  • For those living 50+ miles away (30+ states & 8 countries have attended in past years)
  • More info: https://cornerstonechapel.net/events
• Bridgefest 26 – Ocean Grove, NJ (June 26–27, 2026)
  • Friday night concert with Katy Nichole & Colton Dixon
  • Pastor Gary sharing the gospel afterward
  • Tickets: bridgefest.org
• Harvest Apologetics Cruise (June 19–26, 2027) with Frank Turek & Erwin Lutzer
  • More info via https://cornerstonechapel.net/events

Verses Mentioned

• Philippians 4:4-9
• Proverbs 12:25
• 2 Corinthians 1:3
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Psalm 4:1
• Psalm 5:8
• Psalm 6:4
• Psalm 34:4
• Psalm 1:1-2
• Psalm 77:12
• Psalm 119:148
• Joshua 1:8
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
• 2 Corinthians 10:5