I've had some moments when I felt peace in the midst of chaos. Those are the times when I realize this peace is not from me. When my circumstances are in turmoil I cannot conjure up peace on my own, but God can bring peace that I can't even begin to understand.
Maybe you're living in the middle of a storm. Possibly circumstances are beyond your control. These are difficult times--times when it's hard to even get out of bed, much less make it through an entire day. May I give you a glimpse of hope? Might you give me a moment of your time to speak encouragement into your life? If so, I have a precious gift for you.
This and the surrounding verses have been a sure foundation for me in the most trying of times. If this is your need today, may I suggest you take a moment to read Philippians 4:6-8 (I decided to include them below, so keep reading)? Three short verses that can make all the difference in your day to day struggles. By the way, this is a powerful truth even if your challenges aren't dire and you just want to see more peace in your life as well.
My practice has been to take the "what we are instructed to think about" in verse 8 and focus on those things, then actually do verse 6--present my requests to God without allowing the worries to invade and invite verse 7 into being--allowing the peace of God to envelop my heart and mind.
My previous and following posts dig a little deeper into verses 6 and 8, but I'll include the words to all three here so you can see them together. I know that sometimes it is too difficult to even pick up your Bible to read when you're in the depths of despair.
[Putting them in the order in which I "DO" them]
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.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I just want to close with the words Paul gave to the Philippians as they also ring true from me to you, "I have you in my heart...as all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:7,8).
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