Tuesday, November 15, 2016

GOD’S PEACE

GOD’S PEACE

Philippians 4:6-7       
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.

             Paul wrote these words when he was in the middle of a trying period in his life. He was under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:11-31), sent there because of his testimony for Christ and the proclamation of the gospel. While alone in a rented house, he was guarded by a soldier (28:16), yet able to receive visitors (28:30). As you follow his ministry, you can see how these extended periods of loneliness enabled him to do more things effectively for the Kingdom of God while “in chains” (Philippians 1:13:14). Not only did he preach and teach the Scriptures to all who would hear him in Rome, but also he penned a number of significant letters to churches he had previously established. One of those churches was in Philippi.

            How could a man in chains, living under house arrest with little idea of his future tell people not to become anxious about anything? What could enable him to say, “Rejoice…always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The answer came from his awareness of who’s in control of his life. For Paul, he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus was in charge of all the affairs in his life. The Lord had a perfect plan for the apostle’s life. And Paul trusted and rested in that perfect arrangement.

            God wants to produce his peace that surpasses all understanding in us. He wants us to have a quiet confidence in his faithfulness and sovereignty to work out all things for his glory and for our good. But peace like this doesn’t come automatically. It comes through “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving”. Are you ready to do this?






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