PEACE
(DAY 3 of 7) Jon Welter
"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 4:6-7 ESV
Think
Let’s set the scene: Paul is in prison in Rome. He’s not writing a complaint or a cry for help; he’s writing to the church in Philippi, the first church planted in Europe, to thank them for a gift they sent. These were the OG church planters, people on the front lines of spreading the Gospel.
Even while facing chains and uncertainty, Paul’s focus wasn’t on himself. He was not anxious. He was thinking about others and sending encouragement. Near the end of his letter, he writes these words: “…be anxious for nothing… and the peace of God… which surpasses all understanding… will guard your hearts and your minds…”
Pause for a second and imagine that: a life without anxiety. No worrying about your home, your job, your kids, or whatever is weighing on your heart. Paul says when you feel anxious, don’t fight it or ignore it, turn it into a prayer (conversation) with God. Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. He wants to hear from you, and we also need to take time to listen to Him.
God’s peace isn’t like the world’s peace. It isn’t about “good vibes” or the absence of problems. It’s about knowing, deep in your soul, that God is in control no matter what’s happening. As citizens of Heaven, our future is secure, and we have victory over sin, and even anxiety.
Even while facing chains and uncertainty, Paul’s focus wasn’t on himself. He was not anxious. He was thinking about others and sending encouragement. Near the end of his letter, he writes these words: “…be anxious for nothing… and the peace of God… which surpasses all understanding… will guard your hearts and your minds…”
Pause for a second and imagine that: a life without anxiety. No worrying about your home, your job, your kids, or whatever is weighing on your heart. Paul says when you feel anxious, don’t fight it or ignore it, turn it into a prayer (conversation) with God. Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. He wants to hear from you, and we also need to take time to listen to Him.
God’s peace isn’t like the world’s peace. It isn’t about “good vibes” or the absence of problems. It’s about knowing, deep in your soul, that God is in control no matter what’s happening. As citizens of Heaven, our future is secure, and we have victory over sin, and even anxiety.
Act
Anxiety is real, and the enemy wants to fill your mind with worry. That’s why daily prayer and knowing God’s Word is so important. It’s our weapon against the lies of fear. Take a few minutes to write down 2–3 truths from Scripture that speak directly to your heart. Not sure where to start? Here are some I keep on the inside cover of my study Bible:
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Jeremiah 29:11
- Isaiah 41:10
- John 3:16
Pray
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. Thank you that through Him, we can experience a peace that goes beyond our understanding. Help us to walk in that peace every day, trusting that you will guard our hearts and minds as we keep our eyes on you. Amen.
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord
Come back tomorrow for day 4!