Posted by Pastor Mark Erickson
Yesterday, we looked at Philippians 4:4-9 and reflected on how giving thanks is a critical practice in learning to experience the peace of God. Today, let’s return to the same passage and reflect on another behavior Paul outlines that will lead to peace and joy. Yesterday our word was “thank” – today we’re changing a vowel and our word is “think.” Read again this passage from Philippians 4:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
In addition to offering prayers with thanksgiving, Paul tells us to think about the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. At first glance, this sounds a lot like Fraulein Maria telling the Von Trapp children to sing about their favorite things whenever they are afraid. Yet I think Paul is encouraging something far greater than contemplating raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
When Paul speaks of things that are true, lovely, pure, etc, he is not just referring to things that make us smile, but to the true things about God that have been revealed to us in Scripture. He reminds us that “the Lord is near.” When we are overwhelmed by the state of the world, there is nothing greater to spend time thinking about than doctrine and theology – primarily the incredible news that God has rescued us in Jesus.
We probably all have things we do to de-stress and decrease anxiety: walking, exercise, crafting, interpretive dancing (I’m looking at you, Mike San Martino), etc. Those are all great things and I hope that you have hobbies and activities you enjoy, but Paul is talking about something more than just decreasing stress. He is talking about us contemplating Christ himself – the ultimate good in the universe. Only God Himself can be described as true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
You see, Christian peace is not about the absence of trouble. Christian peace is about the presence and nearness of God, who is greater than even the most overwhelming of circumstances. It’s not that we expel negative thoughts, it’s that we welcome in even greater thoughts – thoughts about who God is and what He has done for us.
In 1873, an American lawyer name Horatio Spafford wrote a song shortly after tragically losing his wife and daughters in a shipwreck. In my opinion, the 2nd verse is the pinnacle of this powerful song we still sing today:
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Though he was overwhelmed by the loss of his family members, reflecting on the gospel enabled Horatio to say, “It is well with my soul” and “Praise the Lord, O my soul.” In the same way, we can face any circumstance and be able to say, “rejoice in the Lord always.” We say this not because we are free from troubles, but because we have been rescued by the One who has already overcome the greatest trouble of all.
Peace is not the absence of fear, it is the presence of something greater than those fears. Because of Jesus, we can know peace as we cling to Him and reflect on who He is.
Discussion/Application: What does it mean to preach the gospel to yourself every day? How would you articulate the good news of Jesus in a way that helps you reflect on it and think of it often?
Bullet Prayer: God, when I am overwhelmed by the world around me, please help me to always remember how awesome, loving, beautiful, and glorious you are. Thank you for demonstrating your love for me through Jesus.
”Peace is not the absence of fear, it is the presence of something greater than those fears.“. Powerful truth to hold on to.
Good words and reminders, Pastor Mark. A friend recently sent me Deuteronomy 33:12, where “the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.” I picture a child nestled on the back of Jesus resting their head between His shoulders, full of rest and trust. Child nothing, I picture ME! And I can’t wait to Pastor Mike doing a little interpretive dance. All this time I thought he gave that up because of his back issues.
What a great verse and image – thanks for sharing, Kay!
If I was not a Baptist I would shout Hallelujah! Since there is no one here to hear me but the Lord I just did!!!
Love it, JD! Hallelujah, indeed!
Thank you for posting on these verses Pastor Mark. I memorized Philippians 4:6-8 early on in my walk and have been ministered to by them time and time again. I’ve learned what we take in is so important, and focusing on the goodness of God, the beauty of His creation, the truth of His Word, all He’s done for us in our own lives, and many more good and perfect gifts, helps us to remain in His presence. Leeland has a song called “Burning with Your Love” and the chorus is “I’m not afraid when I am in your presence, I have been changed your love has made me fearless, Your love’s a flame you set my heart on fire, I’m burning with your love.” I have found this to be true (thank you, Jesus!). The more the Spirit changes me and leads me, the more I am in God’s presence, the more peace, love, and joy I have, and the less fear I have. It’s so amazing to see 1 John 4:15-18 become real in our lives: “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” May God perfect each one of us more and more in His perfect love. Praise Him, He never stops working!