PEACE: Daily Reading Plan #6
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Those who choose prayer and trust during times of anxiety will experience the "peace of God." This peace offers three important positives. First, God's peace is supernatural and unexplainable. It is truly amazing how God can and will respond during times of difficulty.
Second, God's peace "will guard your hearts." The heart was seen as something to protect at all costs, since it influenced all of life (Proverbs 4:23). Paul held the Philippians believers "in my heart" (Philippians 1:7).
Third, God's peace will guard "your minds in Christ Jesus." This concept is connected with love for God and others (Matthew 22:37–40), as well as unity. Throughout Philippians Paul expresses concern about the unity of the Philippian church, especially in the mind (Philippians 1:27; 2:2, 5). He mentions the mind again this time as a statement that unity in the midst of disagreements requires a mind controlled by God's peace.
Reflection Questions
- What do these verses reveal about God's peace?
- What are you called to do as a result of recognizing that turning to God with our concerns brings peace?
