Peace

     Are you finding rest this week? Listening to the truth of who God is, His ability to protect us from harm, His willingness to fight our battles and to help us be calm, allows us to find peace.

     Finding that peace does not come naturally to our pride-filled, independent, busy selves, does it? Some vital verses written by Paul to the city of Philippi can help us with the means to find that peace. These are great verses to memorize and take out again and again, as a reminder when we are anxious.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

    God’s formula for us!

·       Don’t worry

·       Thank Him as you bring your needs to Him. He is already working!

·       Tell Him everything

·       He will give us peace that passes understanding.

     After the verses above, Paul lets us in on another spiritual secret. When we fill our minds with what God sees as good, we can keep our minds from the evils of the world. What should we think about each day?

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. Philippians 4:8

     All of these attributes describe our Jesus. He is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, excellent. Think on that. Think about Jesus. Fill your thoughts with Him and He will bring peace.

Father,

What a difference between the thoughts of God and of man. We are deluged with all of the things God hates. The world around us is filled with greed, pride, immorality, filthy language, disrespect and irresponsibility. Teach us to focus our thoughts on what is lovely and pure. It is Jesus.

Amen