Philippians 4:4-8
I absolutely love this truth of God’s wonderful peace keeping my heart and mind! When I think of something being kept, I think of a safe place, like a box or compartment. I think of the verse of being kept in my Father’s hands. I'm held and secure.
But, peace comes through a process. A process that I must choose and it starts with...
Rejoice...I say Rejoice! (vs4)
It starts with rejoicing, in praise! It's so nice, he said it twice!
But, This almost seems backward! I should be able to rejoice once I get all my emotions sorted out! Right!? But that’s not what God says! He says to rejoice first. This is the most difficult and most important step in the whole process. The rest hinges on this first step!
It is so important for mental health to purpose every day, right away, to find something for which to praise God.
I find this to be true and helpful because of my chronic illnesses. It can be very easy for me to only feel and focus on the various issues and physical failings.
Let moderation be known(vs5) Moderation is the calmness of mind. Not easily “freaked out”! Speaking of my hope and trust in God to others brings peace to the soul. The tongue can dictate where the spirit goes. Singing/music is another way to show moderation. “Speaking to yourself in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. I often listen to music before my Bible time. It helps set “the tone” for my personal time of worship.
Be careful( Full of care; anxious; solicitous) for nothing. (vs6) This is easier said than done for us, mortals! But the verse gives the help needed. “Everything by prayer”. How much would lives change if we dealt with *Everything* by prayer? However, it’s not just prayer! It is prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving. Supplication is entreaty with humility and worship and it is to be partnered with a thankful spirit. This combination is integral to peace. Finding a reason to thank God for whatever it is we are facing at the moment, tells God and others of our trust and faith in His sovereignty.
In following God’s plan, we don't just get any ordinary peace or calm. We get the peace that passeth understanding. The kind of peace everyone around sees and draws them to Christ! This peace allows Jesus to be seen in you! This peace keeps your mind stable, and your emotions easier to process. This peace is indescribable and amazing! Then as a cheery on top, God gives us a protection plan, a firewall for the mind. (verse 8) It's the “but wait, There’s more!” portion of God’s plan so we can keep ourselves in check. Rather than saying, “Don’t think this, don’t think that”, He graciously gives a list of what we *should* think about. God is solution oriented! He is not interested in beating us about the head and shoulders. He is kind and full of compassion. He loves us and desires us to have peace amid life’s storms. I hope these thoughts are as much help and blessing to you as were to me, “And the God of peace be with you”! 💚
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