Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7
We live in a difficult age. We are constantly bombarded by the news on our iphones, ipads and tv – bad news usually. We hear about the economy, wars and talk of wars in various places. Newspapers are full of articles about accidents, injuries, crimes and more. These anxious making bits of information can shake us up and make us anxious. We know that that is not the Lord’s best for us.
Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit gives us some practical ways of dealing with worries and stresses. First He tells us to rejoice. Be glad. We are heaven bound, all our sins have been washed away and we stand in a close and loving relationship with the Lord.
He tells us to be considerate of others in our lives. Being kind and thoughtful to others is a peaceful thing to do.
Paul tells us to tell the Lord what we need. Yes, He knows everything, but like a loving father likes it when his children trust him enough to ask for what they need. He likes us to tell Him what we need. No games. Just honest talk with Him.
We thank the Lord for what He has done for us. Is there food on our table, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs? We can be thankful for all the big and little blessings that are in our lives. Let’s give voice to those thanks.
When we do the above a wonderful thing happens: God’s peace guards our hearts and minds. The two places Satan likes to strike. Not a human peace but God’s own peace. The peace that Jesus had. That very peace guards us! Remember :
“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] “John 14:26-28
Jesus is Lord
