Paul has told us in verse one to stand fast in the Lord.  He then goes on and makes mention of his brethren and how much of a blessing they are to him.  He does that often in the Scriptures.  See the sermon Stand With Paul Together for the details from last Sunday's sermon.

Then we see Paul telling us to rejoice, as he often does in the Scriptures and in this case, he tells us to rejoice just before he also tells us to let our moderation be known.  That sermon can be found at Rejoice!

The Peace of God
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Now, also note Titus 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Is this a contradiction?  Did we find the one place that the Bible Correctors and scholars will be thrilled to hear?

Of course not!  Paul is telling us to just do right - and keep in prayer about everything and the stuff that we can't change or have any input or whatever, then get on with your day maintaining good works, and you can live with a peaceful heart because you have given it ALL over to the Lord.

Seems simple, eh?  Or does it seem so hard?  Do you give things to the Lord WITH STRINGS ATTACHED?  Well, could that be why you still have no peace about things that you can't do anything about - as well as those things that are not considered 'good works' by the Scriptures.

Nehemiah's Rubbish
Remember Nehemiah's rubbish?  Nehemiah 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.  That rubbish kept them from getting on with the job they needed to do.

We have a lot of rubbish in our day to day life that we can't do anything about - so pray about that stuff as well and get on with your day doing what you CAN do, complete with a peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Troubled, but...
We know as does Paul that there are daily things that will cause us to be troubled.  But if we can give them over to the Lord, we will not become distressed.  There are things that perplex us, but we ought not despair about them.

God knows - and you just gave it to Him instead of taking the problem on your own shoulders.  See II Corinthians 4:8, but remember verse 7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. If you pray about it all, as Paul says to do, then truly you are leaving it all in God's hands, not in your own.  You will have the assurance that you are doing right according to the Scriptures and the rest of 'life,' well it is all in God's hands.

Parents - about your 'older' kids... you can still do 'some' things about your little ones (unless they are just like you, etc. haha)
Wives - about your husband... needing/wanting more money... household needs and wants... getting older...
Husbands - about your wives... money... projects...
Kids - about your parents... God will straighten someone out over that stuff eventually...
Bosses - about your workers...
Workers - about your bosses...
Brethren - about the brethren... being offended... being hurt...
Pastors - about their congregation... the church needs... modern church trends in other churches... church quitters or partial attenders... etc.

Good Works
Spend your time in maintaining good works. THOSE things are good and profitable unto men!  Give that other stuff over to the Lord in serious prayer!

We have been told to follow Paul as he follows Christ, right?
I Corinthians 4:16 -  Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
I Corinthians 11:1 - Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Philippians 3:17 - Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Remember what Paul says in Romans 16:19,20  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

To have God handle these things... what a thing, eh!
Learn and do the right thing - and pray about it all, including the stuff you have no control over. Then 'rest' in the Lord.  You are in good hands in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Hmmm, that would be fulfilling Revelation 3:20, wouldn't it?  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  How about that!