SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:4-7

SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you will find additional resources to strengthen your Walk with God. 

In chapter one, Paul tells us that he is writing from prison, most likely in Rome, where the wicked Emperor Nero reigned. While it may seem easy to rejoice from a place of safety and comfort, Paul can rejoice because of his deep relationship with the Lord. 

There will be attacks from the world and personality clashes among believers; nonetheless, Christians are called to maintain a spirit of joy in the Lord. We are not immune to sorrow, discouragement, or pain, nor should we be insensitive to the troubles of others. However, we should view God's will as our highest joy and thus be able to experience inner peace and joy in every circumstance. 

"Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us." Philippians 4:5 (The Voice) 

Paul argues that believers cannot find true happiness without striving to bless others. To encourage his readers, Paul reminds them that "the Lord is near." This establishes a crucial link between having a longsuffering, gentle spirit and the reality of the Lord's presence with us. 

We are called to prayer instead of sitting in our anxious thoughts and worrying. The phrase "the peace of God" does not appear elsewhere in the New Testament. This peace comes from God. It envelops us when we pray, allowing us to experience the tranquility of God's presence. We cannot fully comprehend this peace or its release from the pressure and strain of our circumstances.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

We hope you'll take some time this week to listen to the song we selected for worship.

SONG: "Peace" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4