This is part 3 of a 3-part series. View the entire series here.
Verse(s): Philippians 4:7
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Notice how Philippians 4:7 stars with the word then. This simple word tells us that the verses we’ve been covering all build upon each other toward this very promise: You will experience God’s peace. It can be tempting to read Bible verses in isolation. But when we do that, we run the risk of missing out on the whole picture the Bible is painting. For example, if we were to read Philippians 4:7 on its own, we might read about the promise of experiencing the peace of God without actually experiencing it. And that’s a good pattern for losing hope fast.
That’s why the word then is so important. It tells us we need to be mindful of everything leading to this promise. The commands to rejoice always, to lay aside worry, to pray about everything, to tell God what you need, to thank Him for all He has done––these are not commands without a purpose. They’re stepping stones to experiencing the peace of God. Worry and anxiety feel like a confusing storm of emotions. One of the ways we try to control this storm is through rationalization. We try to explain away our fears. But then when we can’t find an answer, the anxiety only grows stronger.
But the peace of God doesn’t need to rationalize what we’re going through because it surpasses our understanding. It’s rooted in giving our worries over to God and letting Him take care of them. No more searching for short-lived, counterfeit moments of peace. We can be confident that we will overcome our anxiety because He is the solution. He has promised us victory. And all the promises of God are “yes” and “amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
If you find yourself up against a wall that feels immovable, you’re not alone. But you also don’t have to stay there. God is making you an offer that can’t be taken away––His own peace.
So take a breath. In…and out….slow your breathing. Take note of how you feel as a whole––body, mind, and soul. As you breathe in, imagine the Spirit filling your lungs. As you breathe out, imagine you’re pushing the worry out of your chest. Reflect on the promises God has made to you. Open your hands to receive His peace.
Do this regularly. Sit, meditate on God’s Word, control your breathing, and remember His promises. Allow His peace to wash over you. Let it guard your heart from worry and your mind from anxious thoughts. Abide––or live in––Christ Jesus. He cares for you. He sees you. He knows you. He is with you. And nothing and nobody can ever change that.
Anxiety doesn’t control you. But if you want to be free, you need to give control to God. Embrace obedience, knowing that His ways are higher. Deepen your relationship with Him through times of open and honest prayer. Strengthen your faith by growing your heart in gratitude. God wants you to find peace, and He’s given you all the steps you need to walk toward it.
Don’t fret––He’s walking with you on this journey. And He won’t ever let you go.
