Philippians 4 Devotional

Peace That Stands Guard

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:7 (BSB)

Philippians 4 is full of short commands. Two women are urged to agree in the Lord, and the church is told to rejoice always, let gentleness show, and pray instead of worrying (4:2-6). Woven through them are promises. The Lord is near (4:5). When anxieties are brought to God with thanksgiving, his peace, deeper than anything we can understand, will guard hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (4:7). The God of peace will be with those who practice what they have learned (4:9).

Paul then speaks of contentment, something he says he has learned, whether hungry or well fed, in plenty or in need (4:11-12). His strength for every situation comes from Christ (4:13). Thanking the Philippians for their gift, he assures them that his God will meet every need they have out of his riches in Christ Jesus (4:19). Contentment here is not a mood forced into place. It grows from trusting a near and generous God. Whatever you bring to him in prayer today, his peace is what stands guard over you.

To think about: What worry could you turn into a specific prayer with thanksgiving right now?