From my reading in Philippians 4 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul gives us four ways to win the war against worry.

1. Make the choice to rejoice

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Joy is a choice. When hard times come your way you have a choice.  Will you let despair, worry, and fear win the day? Or will you choose to rejoice in Jesus?

2. Don’t worry… pray!

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7

Prayer is our greatest weapon against worry.

Whenever we face a problem we should pray about it. There is nothing too big or too small to pray about.

It is important to thank God for what he has done because what God has already done for you will give you faith to believe in what he can do for you in the future! Thanking God can help lift you out of worry and depression.

Whatever we are facing, worry is never the answer.

• Worry shows lack of trust in God, but prayer exhibits faith.
• Worry wastes time, but prayer works.
• Worry leads to stress, but prayer leads to peace.

God promises to give his people supernatural peace that can not be explained if we will pray about our problems.

3. Focus on positive things.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

God and his Word fit all of these categories. God’s word is 100% true. God himself is the most lovely and admirable being in the universe.

It also helps to think about other good things in your life. Get your mind off of your problems and on to positive things!

4. Learn the secret of contentment.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11–13

Paul learned to be content with whatever he had. How?

Through Christ’s power!

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” is not primarily about making touchdowns.  It is about being content even when things are not going as you want them.

Paul was given the ability to be content because his greatest desire was being fulfilled in Christ.

Which of these four tips can you apply to your life today?

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PS – Some people have a medical disposition toward worry. These principles can help, but in many situations medication is also neccessary in the battle against worry.