Philippians 4:1-7

1: Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2: I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.

3: Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!|
5: Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

*** 

Paul encouraged the Philippians with great affection to stand firm in the Lord. He urged two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to live in harmony. Most likely they had some type of disagreement between them. Paul called on his “true companion,” most likely a fellow leader, to help them resolve their dispute as they had shared Paul’s struggle in the gospel with Clement and others. These are those whose names were written in the book of life, where the names of those whose citizenship is in heaven are written.

Paul moved on and said for the Philippians to rejoice and let their gentle spirit be known to all. Rather than being anxious, pray and let God know your requests with a thankful heart. When you do, His peace—a peace like no other, a peace which exceeds all comprehension—will guard your heart and mind in Christ. There are many situations in life which would cause anxiousness if we allowed it. Yet we’re instructed to rejoice, be gentle, be aware that the Lord is near, and pray with a thankful heart. His great peace will be a guard over our hearts and minds.

The peace of God is not just a good feeling. It’s not being ignorant of troubles. It’s not being naïve or unaware. It is a guard. It is a defense. For if we allow anxiety in, it interferes with our ability to hear and obey God. It carries doubt of God’s ability or willingness to answer our prayers. Guard against it. Trust in His love and His willingness to answer your prayers. This will bring the guard of peace to protect you.

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