"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition 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 thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:6-7
As someone that struggles with worry and anxious thoughts, this chapter of Philippians has been a great source of comfort to me throughout the years. Chapter 4 is the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. (Acts 16:1-40) In it, he offers final instructions and encouragement for them concerning some of the problems they’re facing. Such as disagreements among one another (Philippians 2) and false teachers spreading a gospel contrary to that of Christ. (Philippians 3) Paul urges the Philippians not to despair, but “Rejoice in the Lord always” and offer everything up to God in prayer with thanksgiving. In doing so, they will receive peace unlike any other. A sense of peace that not only transcends the logical response to be fearful and anxious when circumstances take a turn for the worse, but will also guard their hearts and minds against these things. Paul then instructs them to “logizomai” or take an account of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. (4:4-9)
Even though this letter was written to a specific group of believers around 60 A.D., it is still applicable to us today. These words are God breathed, making them beneficial in the instruction and sanctification of all believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17) regardless of the time period they’re reading it in. We too can experience peace that surpasses understanding when we surrender every need and worry to God. When faced with hardship we ought to call on the One who can actually do something about it, and take comfort in knowing He hears us. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) In order to abide in that peace though we must exercise control over our thoughts. The mind is a powerful thing. By allowing ourselves dwell on what is false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, ugly, of poor report, sinful, and deplorable we not only fail to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), but we also adopt a heart of ingratitude. Ingratitude which breeds discontentment.
The verses that follow further echo this sentiment. While under house arrest in Rome, (Acts 28) Paul expresses his appreciation for the Philippian church and states he has contentment regardless of his external circumstances. (Philippians 4:10-18) This is not by his own strength, but by the strength Christ gives. Verse 13 is often used as a motivational quote, but here we see its true context and meaning. Whether in need or abundance. Whether hungry or fed. Whether free or imprisoned for doing God’s work; we too can live contently. Anxiety, despair, and discontentment are no match for the peace and strength we receive through Christ.
Thank you for reading! I hope revisiting this short devotion from the Spring & Summer 2024 Newsletter encouraged you today. I pray that as you serve Christ you will remain firm in truth and focused on the task at hand in the face of adversity.
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