Philippians 4:6-9 NIV
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Many hearts are not at peace as many are facing troubles. God want us to experience His peace. There are a few things that can rob us from this peace:
- Anger
For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson
How to handle anger in your life? If you are angry with something or someone. The method: Count and talk. If the person is younger than you. You count to 10 then talk. If the person is a peer, you count to 30 then talk. If the person is your senior, you count to 50 then talk. If the person is your wife, you keep on counting then don’t talk.
- Bitterness and unforgiveness
I can peace of mind only when I forgive rather judge. – Gerald Jamolsky
- Worries and anxiety
Matthew 6:27
Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its fears; it empties today of its strength. Many are worried about being infected. Parents are worried about their children. Graduates are worried if they can find a job. Businesses are worried about cash flow.
How do we define peace? According to dictionary, peace= no mental conflicts, no troubles. Does it mean that when you have no trouble, you have no peace.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.-John 14:27
Peace from the world is based on circumstances. It does not last. Peace from the Lord is permanent and lasting. The source of the peace is from Jesus Himself. I call this peace “Extraordinary Peace” because we have the Prince of peace, we can experience peace though we have trouble in this world.
Philippians 4:6-9 NIV
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
What is Paul saying in this verse? Let me share with you 5 important words from this verse :
- Pray
You are in the midst of prayer and fasting. Whatever we are anxious about, we pray and present our petitions to God. Release your burdens to God. (1 Peter 5:7) Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. When you keep your anxieties and burdens in your heart, you will feel bad.
Rest: Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Are you a worrier or a warrior? The more worry, the worrier and the more you pray, you become a warrior. The battles belong to the Lord.
- Praise
Come before God with a heart of thanksgiving and praise. No matter what He is still God. Always be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
There is a person who was being robbed. And yet he is thankful. He gave thanks that his life is not taken. Unthankful people are unhappy people. Not just be thankful, be filled with praise. No matter what situation we are in, we need to raise a Hallelujah. King Jehoshaphat says in the bible “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
- Ponder
What kind of thoughts occupy your mind? We need to fill our minds with the right thoughts. Are your problem centered or promise centered? Do we focus on the problem, or do we focus on God’s promises? If we focus on the problem, the problem will look bigger.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. What occupies your mind? It is important to keep God’s Word in our minds.
- Practice
The word “Practice” means to put God’s word into action. We obey his word. Disobedience: We can stop the flow of God’s peace in our life through disobedience.
Isaiah 48:22 “There is no peace.” Says the Lord, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 48:18 “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would be have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”
- Pursue
…..and the God of peace will be with you. (v9). The prosperity and peace is found in Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Pursue after God. As the deer pants for the water, my soul longs for you…we should pursue and long for God. We should pursue after the Lord, love Him, know Him more and then that’s when you experience the breakthroughs in your heart and your life. The word in Philippians used is “guard”. It is a military word. It means to guard our hearts and mind against negative words/emotions.