In prayer: Choose to be full of cheer

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:4-8

When we live in a world cursed by sin, it is easy to be troubled with cares, even for the children of God. We do not know and cannot control what will happen next. It is natural to be anxious about how things will work out. As God’s children we are told “do not be anxious about anything,” but how can we not be troubled?

Paul’s instruction is to “rejoice in the Lord always” or, said in another way, to be full of cheer in the Lord. Being full of cheer is different from being happy. Happiness is an emotion; being full of cheer is a choice. When we decide to be full of cheer, we are choosing to drive out gloom, sorrow, silence, and apathy. “How do I dispel anxiety?” you ask. We must learn to renew our minds (Romans 12:2). Paul says to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and anything worthy of praise. As we think on these things, the Holy Spirit will renew our minds, and anxiety will be displaced by joy.

Lord, renew our minds to think rightly so we can pray rightly and, therefore, live in the peace You have provided for Your children.