Philippians 4:6-7
Read Philippians 4:6-7
Helpful Background Information:
The apostle Paul planted a church in the city of Philippi, a colony of retired Roman soldiers, during his second missionary journey (Acts 16). Over time, the Philippians became Paul’s friends and supporters, so when they heard he was in prison, they collected money to assist Paul and sent it to him. The book of Philippians is Paul’s response from prison to that gift.
As humans, we are prone to fix our minds on our own circumstances and fall into anxiety, rather than rest in the nearness and sufficiency of God. Paul tells us that the peace of God guards our hearts and minds. To guard means to protect, shield or watch over someone or something to keep it safe from harm or danger. So, in times of fear and anxiety, we can turn to Jesus, presenting everything to him, trusting that even when we don’t get all the answers we hoped for, the peace of God will protect our hearts and minds.
Peace that transcends all understanding means that it is beyond our human comprehension and world. This means that even when we don’t fully understand something, we can still have the peace of God rest on us and be willing to obey in the midst of that. May we be a church that desires His presence and peace more than control over circumstances.
Reflection Questions:
What does your prayer life currently look like? Do you pray more in good times or difficult times? What time can you set aside to talk to God?
Why is it important that when we present our prayers and petitions to the Lord that we do that with thanksgiving? What are some things you are thankful for today?
What uncertainty about your future is causing you to be anxious? What are you clinging to that you are anxious about losing? Trust that God has everything safely in His hands and that he really does hear your prayers. What would it look like to hold your future and things you cling to with open hands? What truths do you need to read and believe from Scripture to overcome anxiety? Write down a lie you believe/fear you have, then next to it, write what God has to say about it.