Philippians 4:5b-7 - Peace Beyond Understanding.
Philippians 4:5b-7 " Peace Beyond Understanding.
Philippians 4:5b-7 (NIV) The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5b-7 (JB) the Lord is very near. 6 There is no
need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking
God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, 7 and that peace of God,
which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your
hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.
INTRODUCTION
This is one of the most memorized verses of Scripture. [Victor
Bible Readers
These verses tell us that God is near " So there is no need to
worry - after all He is Sovereign and Supreme.
Prayer with petition and thanksgiving is the antidote to worry.
[NIV SB mod]
This pattern given in Philippians 4, of taking our worries to
God and centering our thoughts on him and all he has done is an
important secret of prayer. We all have different "panic buttons," or
experiences that cause our hearts and minds to race, our confidence and
strength to waver. Your panic button may relate to your children's
safety, your finances, your health, or an uncertain employment future.
Whatever they are, these needs and burdens are actually meant to draw us
to God in prayer. If we open our hearts and invite Jesus into our
need and put our focus on him, he will quiet our anxious thoughts and
bring us a sense of calm. His peace, which is far more wonderful than
our human minds can comprehend, then brings comfort and order to our
hearts. In the midst of this anxiety-ridden, fear-filled world we live
in, the Lord wants to reveal himself as the God who calms our fears
and turns our worries into wonder at what a great God he is.
[Praying Through The Bible By Fuller re Phi. 4:6, 7]
COMMENTARY
THE PEACE OF GOD
We live in a world absolutely crippled by anxiety. I feel it,
and I know my kids do too. It's pervasive in the world around us. We
see it even in the faces of strangers in the crowd. Living with
anxiety is like being bound by chains.
But worry and anxiety don't help us at all! When we worry, we
aren't solving a problem; we are just being bound by it. Like chains,
worry and anxiety keep us locked down, unable to move forward. We get
stuck. Maybe it's a bill we don't know how we're going to pay. Maybe we
worry that we aren't strong enough to stay on the road to recovery. We
might even be worrying about those we love.
When we worry, we are telling God, "I've got this one." We
think we are in control, but we aren't. Worry and anxiety really don't
change anything. They just wear us out and keep us tied up. But God
will break those chains if we ask him to. Instead of continuing to
turn those anxious thoughts over in our minds and worrying about
things we can't control, let's leave our anxious thoughts with Jesus
and let him break those chains that have us bound.
Father, thank you for setting me free from the chains of
worry and anxiety. I leave all my anxious thoughts at your feet. In
Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John &
Johnny Baker re Ps. 107:14]
The toddler was perfectly content playing with his toys until
he looked around and couldn't see his mother. He panicked. His eyes
widened, his mouth contorted, and his soft whimper transitioned into a
louder cry. Then, suddenly, he spotted Mom in the far corner. The
fearful face relaxed, the wailing ceased, and he turned back to his toys
as though nothing had happened.
Why does a child, without any other circumstances changing,
feel comfortable with a parent in the room and afraid when no one
seems near? Because nearness matters - especially in an uncertain mind
that isn't fully developed. And we, spiritual children who certainly
aren't fully developed, are exactly the same way. When we sense that
God is with us, we can be perfectly content going about our business
and handling life "on our own." But when uncertainty strikes, we
look around for reassurance, and if God seems to be absent, we panic.
We need to remember that He's still "in the room."
Remind yourself that the Lord is near. (Though many
interpreters apply this verse to His second coming, it just as easily refers
to His current Presence.) Declare, even out loud if it helps, what
you know to be true: that God is all around you, that He hasn't left
you or forsaken you. Then look around for the many evidences of His
nearness - the provision He gave last month, or the blessing He bestowed
last week, or the word He whispered last night. The more you notice
His many personal touches, the more you realize how fully surrounded
you are with His Presence. Then you can relax and be content in
whatever you are doing.
Father, I need to know You are in the room. Help me notice
all Your personal touches. May Your Spirit remind me how close You
are. Let me be content knowing that I'm completely safe with You.
[The One Year Experiencing Gods Presence Devotional by Chris
Tiegreen re vs. 5]
During one of many long nights in a hospital waiting room, I
pleaded with God to speak. To come near. To make His Presence known. To
somehow, in some way, bridge the huge gap between my sense of alienation
and His touch. The more I focused on the need, the farther away He
seemed. The overwhelming need dwarfed His promises and Presence.
One of the greatest enemies of the Presence is worry. The
more we focus on a problem, crisis, or need, the larger that problem,
crisis, or need becomes in our own hearts and minds. Our attention has a
magnifying effect: when we're preoccupied with something, it grows. And the
result is anything but peace.
Paul advises us to shift our focus from the problem to the
Provider. Instead of worrying about circumstances, we should turn our
attention to God in prayer and gratitude. If we do this, he tells us, we
will experience God's peace. Why? For one thing, God is drawn to
those who know they need Him. But beyond that, our shift in
perspective reverses the dynamic. If what we focus on seems to grow larger,
then it makes plenty of sense to change our focus from the problem to
God. When we magnify Him in our thoughts, our circumstances become
relatively minor. The result is the peace that passes understanding.
Choose your focus. If you are preoccupied with worry over a
problem, the problem will seem huge. But if you shift your focus to God,
His ability, His compassion, and His willingness to answer prayer,
He will seem big and the problem will seem small. And you will
experience peace.
Lord, I want the peace that is too wonderful for
understanding. I give my circumstances to You and focus entirely on Your
wisdom, power, and love. [The One Year Experiencing Gods Presence
Devotional by Chris Tiegreen re vss. 6, 7]
Ive decided that, today, I'm going to stop and pray. I'm
going to do what God's Word says I should do when I have a problem. He
instructs me to bring every situation, every circumstance, every struggle
to him. So I'm going to just stop and get quiet before him. I'm
going to resist the urge to rush through my day. Today, I'm going to
slowdown and listen for God's voice. Today, I'm going to stop and pray.
First, I'm going to talk to God about all the things that are
worrying me. I'm going to tell him what's on my mind. I'm going to let
him help me see why I've been losing sleep. I will bring everything
to him. I will thank him for the answers yet to be provided. Then
I'm going to thank him for the peace that is flooding my heart and
mind. Before I go, I'm going to ask God to be with me in every
meeting, to assist me with every task, to be present in every
conversation.
Throughout the day, I will soak up the peace, and should it
begin to drift away, I'll stop, pray, and bring my worries to God
again. And I'll keep on bringing them to him until his indescribable
peace returns.
Thank you, Lord, for your peace that passes my understanding.
I give you my worries and my concerns. Thank you for reminding me
to stop and pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily
Devotional by John & Johnny Baker re vss. 6, 7]
JOY AND PEACE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Here is a prescription for overcoming frustration. Look for
something good to come out of everything that appears bad. How I wish I
could hammer this thought into the mind of every Christian. Nowadays,
it is almost second nature with me to look for a positive in every
negative, but it was not always so. At one time, whenever anything bad
happened to me, I used to say: "Oh no, not again! Just when everything
seemed to be going right! Why should this happen to me?" I learned,
however, to apply this principle, and I can honestly say it has
transformed my life and ministry.
This also means learning to thank God for the good that is
emerging, instead of brooding over any loss that has been sustained. This
positive thanksgiving will make your heart receptive to God's power. He
can do anything with a thankful heart, but He will usually do little
or nothing with a complaining, self-pitying heart. It is closed to
grace.
Also, find someone who is going through difficult
circumstances, and help them find victory. Someone has said, "Sorrow expands
the soul for joy. For joy? Yes - the joy of being useful and
creative. God uses frustrating circumstances to prune you for
fruit-bearing.
And the lessons you have learned will go even deeper as you
share them with others. Expression deepens impression. If you
incorporate your sorrows, they will multiply. And if you incorporate your
blessings, they too will multiply. Learn this secret, and it will help you
stay spiritually on top - no matter what.
Oh God, Help me not be a whiner but a worshiper. Help me to
cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving in all things " for I know that
all things serve. I pray in Jesus name. Amen. [Every Day With
Jesus Bible with Selwyn Hughes devotional re Ps. 29:11]
JOY AND PEACE IN SERVICE
Have you ever had a close friend or two who suffered from
hypochondria? If so, then you know that nothing at all is nearly killing them.
A pathological fear has them in a tight grip. They worry that they
might have a fatal disease because of some body twinges or tingling
sensations. For them, a momentary pain that most of us would brush off as a
minor irritant, might rise to the level of a serious cancer scare. An
intermittent tick in some hand muscles they will suspect as Parkinson's
disease or multiple sclerosis. A little coughing? Oh, that is most
likely lung cancer, or some other fatal lung disease. As a result, they
spend endless hours researching symptoms on the Internet, checking and
rechecking to find out what it is that they are about to die from.
Hypochondriacs will often go from doctor to doctor, looking
for one that will tell them something other than "There is nothing
wrong with you." When a health professional does recommend that they
seek help from a mental health provider, they will likely switch
doctors and continue to run up medical bills. Don't laugh - it isn't
funny. The whole family suffers. And if their doctor does give them
some medications to reduce their anxiety and depression, they are
sure that side effects of the drugs are evidence of yet another
life-threatening disease.
As an outsider it is easy to point to a text such as
Philippians 4:6 above and say, "Don't worry! Be happy!" Such statements as
that probably won't help your worried friend. What about this,
though? Think about asking your friend to join you in a significant
service project, such as serving at a local food kitchen or tutoring at
an inner city school. Research data proves that the happiest people
are those who choose to help others. Focusing a life outward in
service to others brings great rewards. Though I don't find it in the
research literature, it seems to me that hypochondria is a disease with
an obsessive inward focus. The contrast couldn't be greater.
Changing that focus to an outward life of service works every time it is
tried, because, in fact, God created us to do good works for others,
(Ephesians 2:10). Paul exhorts Timothy to "command them to do good, to be
rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Tim.
6:18, N1V).
Your life here on earth, Lord, modeled generous service to
others. Today, lead me to one in need of Your healing touch. In helping
the broken, may I be made whole. [God of Wonders by David Steen re
vs. 6]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Come to Me with a thankful heart, so that you can enjoy My
Presence. This is the day that I have made. I want you to rejoice today,
refusing to worry about tomorrow. Search for all that I have prepared for
you, anticipating abundant blessings and accepting difficulties as
they come. I can weave miracles into the most mundane day if you keep
your focus on Me.
Come to Me with all your needs, knowing that My glorious
riches are a more-than-adequate supply. Stay in continual communication
with Me, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you
are in the midst of them. Present your requests to Me with
thanksgiving, and My Peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your
heart and mind. (Psa. 118:24; Phi. 4:19, 6-7) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
Peace is My continual gift to you. It flows abundantly from
My throne of grace. Just as the Israelites could not store up manna
for the future but had to gather it daily, so it is with My Peace.
The day-by-day collecting of manna kept My people aware of their
dependence on Me. Similarly, I give you sufficient Peace for the present,
when you come to me by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. If I
gave you permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall
into the trap of self-sufficiency. May that never be!
I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your
awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of My
abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining
My resources at all. Approach My throne of grace with bold
confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart. (Exo. 16:15-20; Phi.
4:6, 7, 19; Heb. 4:16) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
My peace is a soft, soothing pillow for your weary head. Pry
your mind away from plans and problems so you can rest in My healing
Presence. Whisper, "I trust You, Jesus," while you relax - body, mind, and
soul - in My protective Presence. If anxious thoughts try to intrude,
give them over to Me with thanksgiving. Be grateful that I understand
everything about you and your circumstances; also, I love you eternally and
take care of you continually. Instead of pondering your problems, let
these precious truths renew your mind. They will set you free.
As you refresh yourself in My peaceful Presence - trusting
and thanking Me - I go to work on your behalf. While you stay in
communication with Me, I show you the way forward. I may open up a way that
previously seemed blocked, or I may take you along a new path altogether.
Remember that you are never alone in your struggles. You have a Helper
who is infinitely powerful, tenderly loving, and wise beyond all
understanding. So rejoice! (Exo. 33:14; Phi. 4:4-7; John 8:31, 32, John 15:26)
[Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Rejoice in Me always. Let your gentleness be evident to all.
I am near. Rejoicing in Me can protect you from the temptation to
complain. When your circumstances are stressful, it is easy for you to
become irritable. But I want you to demonstrate gentleness - not
irritability. This is possible to the extent that you find Joy in Me. Since I
am the same yesterday, today, and forever, there is always much for
you to rejoice about.
You can be joyful in the knowledge that I am near. When a man
and a woman are deeply in love, they often bring out the best in
each other. Just being near the beloved can soothe irritations and
increase happiness. I am the Lover who is always nearby - unseen yet
tenderly present. I can soothe your frustrations and fill you with Joy as
you tune in to My loving Presence. One way to do this is to thank Me
for My continual Presence and My constant Love. When circumstances
are getting you down, turn your attention to Me and consider the
great Love I have for you. Rejoice! (Phi. 4:4, 5; Gal. 5:22, 23; Heb.
13:8; Psa. 107:43) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
My unfailing love is your "fuel" - the best source of energy
for you. This glorious source of strength is limitless, so it is
always abundantly available. You tend to get quite focused on your
health and energy. There is a place for such concerns, but they can
occupy more and more of your thoughts. When you are preoccupied with
the condition of your body, I slip from the center of your mind to
the periphery. At such times, you are unable to receive much help
from Me. The remedy is to repent quickly - turning away from
obsessive thinking and turning wholeheartedly toward Me.
The more you focus on Me, the more access you have to My
unfailing Love. This supernatural source of energy flows through you
freely as you look to Me in trust. Not only does this increase your
energy level; it also provides a pathway for Me to love other people
through you. So let My limitless Love energize and empower you as you
walk along your life-path close to Me. (Psa. 33:5; Phi. 4:4; Col.
1:29; 1Jo. 4:15, 16) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Come to Me when you are hurting. Voice your trust in Me, and
seek to become aware of My Love all around you. Breathe in the Peace
of My Presence: Peace that transcends understanding. Take time,
take time with Me.
To experience the Joy of My Presence, you need to sit
quietly, focusing your thoughts on Me. Say no to plans and problems as
they try to creep into your mind. Say yes to Me - to My Joy and
Peace, My unfailing Love.
Living close to Me is all about transcendence. The world is
full of trouble, but I have overcome the world! I call you to
transcend your troubles by looking up to Me. Assert your confidence in Me,
saying, "I trust You, Jesus. You are my Hope." Short prayers such as
these - voiced almost continuously - will help you live
transcendently: seated with Me in heavenly realms. I am training you to be an
overcomer - unfettered by circumstances. (Phi. 4:6, 7; John 16:33; Eph.
2:6) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Let My peace rule in your heart - and be thankful. I have
called you to a life of Peace and thankfulness. These two are closely
related. The more grateful you are, the better able you are to receive My
Peace. Conversely, the more peaceful you are, the easier it is to be
grateful. Your calmness helps you to think clearly and to recognize the
many blessings I shower upon you. This calm thankfulness is
independent of circumstances; it flows out of your confidence that I always
do what is best - even when you cannot understand My ways.
My Peace can function as an umpire in your heart, settling
the questions and doubts that rise up in your thoughts. Whenever you
start to feel anxious, use those feelings as a reminder to communicate
with Me. Talk with Me about whatever is disturbing you. Bring Me all
your requests with thanksgiving. Because you are Mine - intimately
united with Me - I personally guard your heart and mind with My Peace.
Remember that this is supernatural Peace, which surpasses all
understanding. (Col. 3:15; Psa. 18:30; Phi. 4:6-7) [Jesus Today by Sarah
Young]
CLOSING THOUGHTS
God can't give us happiness and peace apart from Himself because
there is no such thing. C. S. Lewis
Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees
the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way
prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to
provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one
principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find
perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. {DA 330}
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20081027-2333.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100812-1202.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Music Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
