Philippians 4

1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!
2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

Good stuff.  Just good stuff.  I love the last verse-  I love the idea that I would live in a way in front of others, especially those in my own home, that would be worthy of imitating.  That’s a high calling.

But I love his exhortations- stand in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord (said it twice), let everyone see your gentleness, don’t be anxious, tell God your requests in thanksgiving- and then the peace of God will guard your heart! I want that!

He goes onto tell you what to think about- things worthy of praise, commendable, lovely, pure, just, worthy of respect, and true.  Don’t you know this is a safe-gaurd against the devil.  He comes to steal, kill & destroy.  And one of his major methods of attack is through our thoughtlife.  So, control it.  Control what you allow to be spoke over you.  Control what you allow yourself to speak about you and others.  Hear the word of God.  Repeat who He says you are.  Speak to your potential.  Believe in yourself- not because of who you are, but who you are in Christ!  We are mighty because He is mighty.  We are powerful because His power is in us.  We are perfect, without blemish because of His sacrifice.  So, when you are exalting who you are- you are really glorifying the Lord!  So give Him the glory for what He has done!

….and the peace of God will be with you!  Not only will it guard your heart, but it will be with you!  He is always with me.  Isn’t peace a friend you want to be with you at all times?  Won’t it conquer those anxieties?  Won’t it be your source of comfort and guidance?  I want to walk in peace.  I want to share peace.  I want to KNOW peace.

So, today…. think on these things.  Guard your mind.  Allow peace to walk with you.  Live a life worth of emulating.  Love God.  Allow Him to love you.  See what He says about you- in His word!  Seek truth and walk in it!  Bask in His peace!