To conclude the series based on Philippians chapter four
Pastor Charles spoke of the "ode to joy" and a lot more
Joyful Christians who are happy in the Lord, he did say
Make a difference in this world, each and every day
Reading from Philippians four verses four through seven
We should always rejoice in the Lord, who is in heaven
It goes on to say not to be anxious about anything
For our safety and eternal peace the Lord will bring
From prison, this epistle was written by Paul
Acts 16:16-40 has the story, we can read it all
Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises at midnight
After the earthquake, everything ended up right
Pastor said that rejoice comes from "chairo" in Greek
To be full of cheer and calmly happy is what we seek
"Merimnao" in Greek relates to worry, anxiety, and stress
This is part of most lives, which results in many a mess
But Paul says we should not fret in any hour
It is true we cannot fight this with our own power
We should not worry about being stressed
God wants to empower us to ace this test
Against stress and its effects, Pastor said the best way to fight
Is to remember to count our numerous blessings every night
Our greatest blessing, Pastor then said with a knowing nod
Is our relationships with loved ones and of course with God
Only eight percent of concerns are legitimate, one study did say
The appropriate response to those is to trust God and to pray
Paul says to overcome worry with prayer and thanksgiving
Resulting in a peace which surpasses all understanding
Remember that each situation has some redeeming quality
We can always find a way to thank God, as in Paul we can see
Having joy in difficult circumstances is a testimony so great
Others will see the difference and be impressed with this trait
Then we can say that through Christ, we can do everything
Verse thirteen of Philippians four we should continually sing
On how to lead a contented life, some ideas Pastor then did share
We should have a gracious spirit, one that for others does care
Instead of being critical of others, we should have a merciful heart
Lowering our expectations per Robinson Crusoe also plays a part
Remembering all the things that we should be thankful for
That is of course central to Paul's words in Philippians four
Pastor closed with a reference to Psalm twenty three
"The Lord is my shepherd" and "still waters" we do see
If we follow Him and do just as He does say
We will have His peace throughout every day
This contentment is what brings us true joy
And allows us our anxious feelings to destroy
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