Day 3 – Experiencing God’s Peace

(Philippians 4:4-7)

Peace is a place

When I read the epistle to the Philippians, with the background knowledge that the author was writing from prison, I cannot, but wonder how someone in prison was exhorting the Philippians to rejoice always?

Paul could say that because he lived in a different place even though he was in prison. To Paul, peace was a place and joy an attitude that gets him to that place and keeps him there. In the above verses, Paul teaches the Philippians, and us today, how to get to the place called peace.

Rejoicing always

Rejoicing always is an attitude of the heart that brings us to the place of peace. It is an inner attitude that is not dependent on our outward circumstances. We can rejoice always when we see things from God’s perspectives, because your perspective determines how you feel.

Joy is deep contentment that is found only in God. It is based on trust in the sovereign and living God. Joy can be available always, even in difficult times, because the source is not circumstantial. To enter into the peace of God, we must learn to be joyful always.

Do not worry

Worrying however, will take away our joy, hence we are reminded to not worry. There will always be things to worry about in life but giving in to worry will rob us of our joy and deny us access to the place of peace.

There will never be a time when everything about your life is perfect, but it is possible for you to choose not to be anxious about anything. Maintaining a joyful attitude will help you overcome anxieties. Instead of worrying, you can entrust all your difficulties to God because He is sovereign and in control of every detail of your life.

The place of peace

To maintain our joy and enter the place of peace, we must learn to worry less and pray more. “In everything” (v.6) means that we can pray about everything that concerns us. God knows and is interested in every detail of your life. Nothing is too small or trivial to bring before God in prayer.

Experiencing God’s peace and not the world’s peace

Also, no situation is too big or weighty for God to hear and handle. God’s peace is different from the world peace (John 14:27). True peace is not the product of positive thinking, absence of conflict or good feelings. True peace comes from knowing that the sovereign God is in control in every situation of our lives.

“The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you“

Romans 16:20