October 24, 2019 – 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.

Frantic living has no peace.  Imagine you are in the boat with the disciples when the windstorm arose and waves came into the boat as Jesus slept on.  The disciples feared for their lives, and didn’t want anyone sleeping. They woke up Jesus and he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39).  

Jesus asked two questions we can ask, when we are afraid, in verse 40. “Why are you so afraid?” and “Have you still no faith?”  In I John 4:18-19, we find: There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us. 

Fear comes to all of us through our minds. It is what we think about! Practice thinking about truth, honor, justice, loveliness. Anything worthy of praise, think about. What we learn about Jesus – His kindness and love — is what we are to practice.  Then the God of Peace with us and in us.

Re-read the next two verses.  You choose what to read and see in this lifetime. Does it give you God’s Peace?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9.