Episode 16) Rejoice, Pray, and Rest in God’s Peace

Let Us Pray

Our dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving us ears to hear your Holy Word. We pray for the illumination of the Holy Spirit to make these ancient words of Scripture relevant and near to each of us today. Shine your light in our hearts so that we may share it with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

From Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Chapter 4: 4-9

4 Rejoice[b] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[c] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[d] these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Lord is near

Philippians 4 contains some of my favorite verses in the Bible. Paul reminds us that the Lord is near. He calls us to rejoice, to bring our requests to God in prayer, and to give thanks.

Paul does not promise that every prayer will be answered in the way we expect. He offers this promise: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

For me, this means surrendering my desire for control to my Savior. It means slowing down, making room for Sabbath rest, praying, and reading God’s Word. When I become still enough to remember that God is with me, I can begin to trust God’s strength more than my own abilities.

The secret of contentment

In Philippians 4:10–13, Paul speaks of learning to be content in very different circumstances. His strength comes from Christ.

Can we find joy amid the small demands of daily life? Can we offer them to Jesus and let him reign in our hearts? We each have different work to do, and with the Spirit’s help, we can seek to do it faithfully while trusting our Savior to guide us.

Peace be with you.