In these days of world turmoil, we need to diligently concentrate on having peace of mind with Jesus. In chapter four of Philippians we read some instructions of how to acquire peace, and keep our minds peaceful. Let’s read those verses:

“4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

“6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

“7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

To me these verses are saying that there is always “something” to be grateful for. We need to concentrate and search for things to be grateful for – even in the middle of struggles.

We must understand that rejoicing is a choice that we make for ourselves, and that choice should not be determined by what is going on around us but based on our relationship and fellowship with God and Jesus our Savior. Anxiety, fear, and worry are also choices. The way to be free from fear, worry, and anxiousness is by keeping our mind focused on God and His Word. When His Word is first place in our heart and life, it will keep our mind thinking the way He thinks, and that will deter those thoughts that are opposite of peace.

Notice that verse six tells us that it is by prayer and thanksgiving that we stand against anxiousness. Knowing what the Bible says, and believing it, results in us having peace – even when things are going disarray around us. The peace mentioned in verse seven is a result of how well we obey verse six – to pray, be thankful, and bring our requests before God. His peace is based on Him not on the circumstances around us. When His Word abides in us, then His peace abides in us! It is His peace within us that guards our heart and mind from damage of adverse situations going on around us. I believe it is a miracle of God that He can give us such wonderful peace in these tumultuous worldly times.

In verse eight we find our first plan of defense against anxiousness, fear, and worry, and it has to do with thinking right. We must pay attention to what our mind is thinking; we must consciously and deliberately monitor our thoughts to keep them focused on God’s Word to build our faith in God. It is not that we deny that situations around us are bad, it that we do not dwell on the bad thoughts that produce fear and anxiety.  Keeping our thoughts on the Word of God and speaking it over our lives brings His Word of blessings into our lives. May this help you believe and receive the peace of mind from God that He wants for you, and me, to have every day of our lives.