Mission Venture Ministries

The apostle Paul while confined in a Roman prison wrote: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). 

What was his secret? How could he be at peace in such a difficult situation? The answer is found in the previous verses where Paul begins by saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). 

As we think about this verse, we see that the solution that the Lord reveled to Paul for any stressful situation was to bringing every concern to Him, no matter how big or small; starting with prayer and pleading, followed by thanksgiving. 

The word prayer simply means talking to the Father. However, it doesn’t mean merely informing Him of our needs since in His omniscience He already knows everything. It includes adoration, devotion, and worship. God wants to answer our petitions, but His greater desire is to have an intimate relationship with each of us. So we need to remember instead of immediately citing our requests, we should spend time praising God, acknowledging our need of Him, rejoicing in His unconditional love, and loving Him in return. 

Then Paul uses the word pleading or supplication. This means that we should not only tell God about our circumstances but also pour out our hearts before Him in an intimate relationship of Father and child. Sharing our feelings with the Lord is essential if we are to develop a loving, intimate relationship that includes our heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:27, Mark 12:30). God is a tender Father who sympathizes with our pain, uncertainties, fear and frustrations. He wants to give us more than a solution to our problem; His desire is to provide comfort and assurance in the midst of our dilemma. 

Then, Paul counsels us to pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude has a way of redirecting our mind instead of concentrating on our circumstances and difficulties. We should never doubt but always remember God’s faithfulness and care, and trust in Him knowing that He is going to answer our prayers in His time. Then, we need to start thanking Him even before we get our answer because “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). 

As we see, prayer should be our immediate response to anxiety, but maintaining a peaceful spirit also requires the correct focus as Paul tells us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). 

What occupies your mind most of the time – fear or trust? Can you honestly say your thoughts harmonize with those on Paul’s list? Since it is God who personifies all the qualities stated in (v. 8), one way to reshape our thinking is to see our everyday activities through the lens of our relationship with Christ. For instance, when you look at your daily schedule, consider what God wants you to accomplish in light of His will for your life. If you foresee a difficult situation, ask the Lord instantly to show you how to respond. If your behavior is getting ready to do what it shouldn’t, pray immediately, asking God to help you conduct yourself in a way that honors Him. 

Having a God-centered perspective is the key to maintaining a calm spirit both in the midst of daily stress and in times of crisis. When we keep our focus on Him, the promise of Isaiah 26:3 becomes ours: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” 

Paul concludes his instructions for maintaining inner peace by telling believers the way to put it into practice: “As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). 

So how do we do this? We simply live in obedience to God, and “the God of peace will be with you” (v. 9). 

Gratitude for being His child has a way of redirecting our minds. Instead of dwelling on our difficulties, we should focus on His past faithfulness and care. 

Every Christian should choose to live in peace rather than under a burden of anxiety. If we let apprehension rule our hearts, it will interfere with our health, sleep, productivity, joy, and so much more. However, when Christ, the Prince of Peace, has full authority over our lives, He guards our hearts and minds by building a wall of protection against worry because the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). 

Stress may pull us apart emotionally, physically, and spiritually, but God’s peace will always bring us back so we can be well again. 

Isaiah said: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). And Jesus comforted His disciples by telling them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). 

Remember that while we cannot control many of the stressful situations in our lives, we can decide which master we will serve, therefore, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). 

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