The Peace of God In Troubled Times

The Peace of God In Troubled Times

Philippians 4:4-9 NIV 

A SIMPLE COMMAND:    IN THE LORD ALWAYS.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

It is God’s will for you to rejoice at all times.

1 Thes. 5:16–18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

THE SOURCE OF JOY:    THAT THE LORD IS NEAR.

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

You can rejoice because you know the Lord is by your side.

Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 

“Ignorance of the providence of God is the cause of all impatience, and this is the reason why we are so quickly, and on trivial accounts, thrown into confusion.  We often become disheartened because we do not recognize the fact that the Lord cares for us. On the other hand we learn that this is the only remedy for calming our minds, when we rest unreservedly in His providential care knowing that we are not exposed either to the rashness of chance, or to the caprice of the wicked, but are under the regulation of God’s fatherly care.  The one who is in possession of this truth, that God is present with them, may rest with security.” 

—John Calvin, 16th century

THE MEANS OF JOY:   …LEAVE YOUR WORRIES AT THE CROSS.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Jesus will take care of our worries.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Jesus will be our Advocate.

Hebrews 7:25 He is able to save completely those who come to God through him,

because he always lives to intercede for them. 

Jesus not only hears, but He will speak to us.

Job 36:15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. 

“God, I’m facing a problem and I don’t know if I can handle it.  I’ll do my best, but I trust You with the outcome. Whatever You want is perfect with me.  Here’s my preference, but I would rather Your will be done.” 

THE PRESERVER OF JOY:    ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

THE APPLICATION:    THESE THINGS AND REJOICE!

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

"Let us be courageous and rejoice always... Let us consider and lay to heart that, while the Lord is with us, our foes can do us no harm... But if they see us rejoicing in the Lord, contemplating the bliss of the future, mindful of the Lord, deeming all things in His hand, they are discomfited and turned backwards."

—Athanasius, 4th century