Peace in Unstable Times
Watching all that is going on today in our world can be upsetting. The sickness and protests can bring a sense of uneasiness. Worries and anxiety can build as we talk about the future. However, in a time and a world filled with much more anxiety than ours, the Lord led the Apostle Paul to write these words of comfort, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Paul wrote these words from prison in Rome. He wanted to encourage the believers in Philippi to continue on in the faith despite their difficulties and trials. What an encouragement from a guy in jail!
One of the many things I love about these verses is that the first phrase about worry is in the imperative—in other words “Stop worrying!” Beloved, perhaps you need to stop pacing the floor and start opening your heart to the Lord about what hurts in life. Maybe God is whispering to you today to stop worrying and start praying.
Paul then gives us the answer to anxiety and worry— place it before the Lord Jesus in “…prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving”. Believe me, the result of doing this is incredible—the peace of God! Take a look at the description of the peace of God in this verse. First, it is beyond understanding. That means that when the storms come and things look bad, God holds His tender hands over your heart and mind and reminds you of His precious promises. Second, the Lord guards our hearts and minds with His peace. He protects us and upholds us by His great power and word. Third, all of this is possible only “in Christ”. That is to say that because we are believers in Jesus Christ we have access to the incredible peace of God in times of trouble.
Dear friend, seek out the Lord today and find the wonderful peace that only comes through being a child of God.
One of the many things I love about these verses is that the first phrase about worry is in the imperative—in other words “Stop worrying!” Beloved, perhaps you need to stop pacing the floor and start opening your heart to the Lord about what hurts in life. Maybe God is whispering to you today to stop worrying and start praying.
Paul then gives us the answer to anxiety and worry— place it before the Lord Jesus in “…prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving”. Believe me, the result of doing this is incredible—the peace of God! Take a look at the description of the peace of God in this verse. First, it is beyond understanding. That means that when the storms come and things look bad, God holds His tender hands over your heart and mind and reminds you of His precious promises. Second, the Lord guards our hearts and minds with His peace. He protects us and upholds us by His great power and word. Third, all of this is possible only “in Christ”. That is to say that because we are believers in Jesus Christ we have access to the incredible peace of God in times of trouble.
Dear friend, seek out the Lord today and find the wonderful peace that only comes through being a child of God.
Posted in Articles
Posted in Philippians 4:6-7, Peace, Difficulty, Anxious, Prayer, Worry, Christ, Jesus, Trials
Posted in Philippians 4:6-7, Peace, Difficulty, Anxious, Prayer, Worry, Christ, Jesus, Trials
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