Philippians 4:4-7 (CB)

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.

Because true joy does not depend on circumstances but on the presence of the Lord with us, we can have permanent joy. This joy is not a continuous smile but a satisfaction in what the Lord has done and in his presence with us. The Lord is near. The Lord Jesus is close to us, and his return is also near. Paul does not necessarily think that Jesus’ return is imminent. (2 Pet 3:8–9): The essential point is that the Lord’s return is the next event to take place in salvation history. This nearness of the Lord is the basis for what Paul says in v. 6. Do not be anxious about anything, but . . . present your requests to God. Prayer is the antidote to worry. The nearness of the Lord (v. 5) grounds both: because the Lord is close to us, we do not need to be anxious, and we can also pray because he is close to us (Ps 34:15). God is with you today and everyday! He is near! He is listening. And the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts. The result of prayer is God’s gift of peace, namely, the secure confidence that God is sovereign and loving and His wisdom whatever He sends your way flow from His love for you.