Philippians 4:4-7
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.
Philippians 4:4-7 Thoughts…
Paul is not telling us to rejoice and be happy about our current state of affairs but to rejoice in the Lord and His strength, power, and goodness.
Paul calls on us to be reasonable, which means staying calm, steady, and courageous through life’s storms. He calls us to take on Christ’s character traits, which is hard to do if we don’t allow Him to dwell inside us.
Next, and this is HUGE–Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything. We live in a world of extreme anxiety–the devil, through the news and social media, tries its best to keep us on edge. Paul gives us an antianxiety roadmap as he tells us to replace our fear-induced anxiety with prayer, thanks, and, most importantly, to let our requests be known to God. If ever there is a time not to think any prayer request is too small, it is now.
Finally, Paul tells us the sum of this equation in battling anxiety is a PEACE that surpasses all understanding.
Back to the opening quote.
I’ve followed the precepts of Christ long enough to know when I’m not living in His will, and it’s when my life is experiencing anxiety that surpasses all understanding. That is a dangerous place for me, and I can’t be an effective disciple to others when I’m living there.
How about you?
Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. “
Ephesians 5:17, “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Journal your thoughts:
What am I grateful for today?
In what way(s) will I bring light to the world today?
What will I deny myself to draw closer to God and gain more peace in my life today?
Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee—To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! Amen. (Third Step Prayer – Chapter 5, pg.63, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
