Peace In Troubling Times | Finding Joy, Part 7

Peace In Troubling Times | Finding Joy, Part 7

“I’m dealing with problems” “I’m feeling weighed down”

“My anxious thoughts trouble me”

Problems: Real, relatable, and tangible.

Philippians 4:1-9

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement 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 reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

How do we find and maintain peace in a world full of stress and worry: 

1. Rejoice in the Lord Always (v.4)

“Worship is forgetting about what’s wrong with you and remembering what’s right with God.” –Mark Batterson

“Joy is the flag that flies over the castle of our hearts announcing that the King is in residence today.” – W. E. Sangster

“The peace of God is a calm and confident assurance that, however much the circumstances of our lives may be threatening, He is in control.” – J.I. Packer

2. Pray with Thanksgiving (v.6)

Often our first reaction is to complain to God instead of giving thanks to God.

Psalm 138:1-3

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

“What a gift!”

3. Focus on the Good (v.8)

“Look around and be distressed. Look inside and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest.” – Corrie Ten Boom

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” — Corrie Ten Boom

Place what is weighing you down into more capable hands.

Find something to pray about, thank God about, and meditate on.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness

Till all our strivings cease

Take from our minds the strain and stress

And may our ordered lives confess

The beauty of Thy peace