Unshakable Peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
Anxiety is the enemy of a peaceful life. People go to great lengths to get rid of stress: travel ads promises vacations will sweep you away from it; gyms offer to help you “sweat it out”; and popular magazines suggest ways to lesson it by adjusting schedules or habits. The problem is that no one can adequately shift circumstances to achieve total freedom from heartache, burdens, or trouble.
However, we can have unshakable peace during anxious times. Jesus said to seek peace in Him because He has overcome this world (John 16:33). The key is to shift our focus from the scary problem onto God, who lovingly provides whatever we need from His limitless resources and power (Psalm 50:10; Rom. 8:11).
Serenity can’t be manufactured—it’s a gift from our heavenly Father. His Spirit produces a sense of calm in believers who seek the Lord’s protection against anxiety (Phil. 4:7). The Greek word translated as guard in today’s passage literally means, “to garrison about.” God wraps hearts and minds in peace, effectively safeguarding both against all-consuming worry or fear. Notice that He doesn’t make problems go away—we may still be under pressure of prone to weep, but we are cushioned against anxiety and encircled by peace as well.
Today’s verses tell us to pray rather than give into anxiety. These words are Paul’s orders for doing battle against the stresses and troubles of this world. Prayer keeps your mind and heart garrisoned with peace. Trust in God so that your defenses are strong and anxiety cannot slip in. We do this by following the pathway of peace.
The Pathway of Peace
We all have responsibilities—whether regarding work, community, family, or church—and we may rightly feel some concern about how to carry out these commitments. When our natural cares get out of balance, the result is anxiety.
Though Paul faced an inordinate number of trials (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), he was able to say, “Be anxious for nothing.”
He understood that anxiety reveals a lack of faith—it’s not possible to be worried while fully trusting God. Fretfulness also takes a toll by draining energy and dividing the mind. Besides that, disproportionate appreciation prevents effective service to the Lord by keeping one’s focus self-centered rather than God-centered.
To keep concerns in balance, we must present our requests to God, who is ready, willing, and totally sufficient to handle every care we bring Him. (Philippians 4:6)
We do this by:
. Prayer. The Greek word implies worship and appreciation for
God’s attributes, not some panicky thought tossed His way.
. Supplication. Our cry of humility conveys total helplessness and dependence upon almighty God.
. Thanksgiving. We are to approach God without blame or complaint, but with gratefulness that He will ultimately use this difficulty for our good, as He has promised. (Romans 8:28) Philippians 4:7 say that when we bring God our requests in this way, the result will be His wonderful, inexplicable peace. Realizing this, we should learn to go to Him first—not as a last resort.
How Secure is Your Peace?
In a court of law, all that matters are the facts. Hearsay, opinions, and feelings are inadmissible. Building your faith upon anything other than the Word of God is quite dangerous. Emotions can be misleading and subjective; furthermore, they are easily swayed. In contrast, God’s Word is without error and absolutely trustworthy. God did not intend your life as a Christian to be a roller coaster of doubt and fear, but an experience of joy and peace.
At some point during the Christian walk, believers who fail to confess their sin may feel as if they have lost their salvation. The problem is that when you sin, guilt is just around the corner.
If you fail to confess your transgressions, guilt lingers and you feel insecure. Don’t wait to admit to God you have broken His law. You will find He is a merciful judge and quick to forgive. Think about it–how can you honestly tell someone else about God’s peace if you don’t experience it yourself?
Just as you trusted God with your eternal soul, trust him to forgive your sins, and He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. “Though wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, JEHOVAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” (Isa. 26:3-4)
The world is pursuing peace at all coast, but at the same time, they are madly rushing to acquire deadly war machines to annihilate one another. Can I be honest with you; only God can bring true peace to this hurting world. Notice the words of the Psalmist under divine authority of the Lord. “The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)
The Unshakable Peace is: Let God be true and every man a liar.
For he who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil. And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good: Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10-12)