Just about an hour ago I was scrolling through a news website and couldn’t help but notice the total and complete inundation of negative and disturbing stories.
If you spend just a few moments trying to catch up on the news of the day, you will feel emotionally battered and be left feeling fearful, suspicious, depressed and anxious.
Well, it just so happens that earlier I had been reading the greatest book ever written, The Holy Bible. It gives me inspiration; it gives me hope; it uplifts my soul.
Its word fills up those dark spaces where fear and anxiety gather to rob me of my joy. God’s word gives me peace. In fact, it guarantees it.
Philippians 4: 7 says: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 8 says: Finally, Breathen, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:9 says: These things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Think on these things.
These things that are honest, lovely, pure, just, and of good report.
These things will give us God’s peace.
Our thoughts matters. If we fill our minds with negative news then we will not have joy; we will not have peace.
So, switch off the news and turn your thoughts to the Good News of Jesus Christ and the peace of God’s absolute love, comfort, and protection.
Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023
And verse 6 too! “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians is such an uplifting letter in words and in context. The church is being persecuted. Paul is imprisoned and is waiting for his death sentence to be carried out. Yet throughout the letter, the Spirit uses him to share the gospel, peace, hope, and love. True encouragement for trying times, be it 1st century or 21st century!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful passage! The peace of God be with you!
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Thank you for reading and leaving a comment. I feel so encouraged when I read Philippians. It is such a reminder for us not to worry, but to trust in God’s peace completely. The Peace of God be with you, as well.
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