Philippians 4:1-23

Peace

Jesus said that in the last days there would be wars and rumors of wars. Buy, is that the case right now or what? He said that men’s hearts would fail them for fear. And the #1 killer (in the USA anyway) is heart disease. Of course we know that is because of diet. Don’t we? I’m sure diet has something to do with many cases but in reality I suspect the levels of stress and fear we deal with are every bit as much to blame as diet.

Peace. What we wouldn’t give for some real peace. If ever we needed peace it is now. And once again the Bible comes through on the really important stuff. We see two keys in this passage.

One of the most often memorized (and deservedly so) passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Here is the first key. Take everything to God. Ask Him to take care of whatever is troubling you. It may be a broken relationship, a job situation, a financial matter, a health issue, or really anything. Take it to Him and ask. And when you do ask don’t forget to thank Him. Thank Him for what He has done and thank Him for Who He is. And thank Him for hearing your prayer. Then receive your peace. 

Understand that the key here isn’t necessarily getting stuff, or even seeing the prayer answered. He will answer the prayer and He will answer it in the best way possible though it may not be in the way you were expecting. But this is about a peace that passes understanding. The peace will come first. Why? I don’t know. It is beyond understanding. Wonderful.

The second key to peace comes in verse twelve. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What is the secret? Check out verses six and seven. If you are looking at circumstances then you will virtually never be content, or at best your contentment will depend on circumstances; an extremely fickle mistress. If you are looking at God you will find a peace based on Him, and He never changes. That is a peace too wonderful to understand.