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?