Day 15: Peace that Guards

Have you ever been around someone who exudes peace? I mean, there could be a tornado of chaos spinning wildly, and they remain as cool as a cucumber. I think the Apostle Paul was like this. There are a few places in the New Testament when his steadiness is brilliant. Like, in Acts 27. In the middle of a tempestuous wind at sea, he says to his fellow travelers, “Take heart, no lives will be lost, only the boat.” And in Acts 16, we find him and Silas singing while locked up and in shackles.

I’ll be honest, I find it’s easier to complain, blame, and isolate in some situations, especially painful ones. But, we have a promise of peace that guards our hearts better than the walls we build. I want it! I don’t want to settle for anything less than that treasure.

In Philippians 4, Paul gives us some practical things to consider about peace. If the peace of God that surpasses understanding is the goal, here are some steps towards it.

• Rejoice in the Lord, do it again, vs4
• Don’t be stubborn, vs5
• Do no be anxious! The Lord is at hand, vs6
• Pray with thanksgiving, vs6 (Gratefulness changes our perspective every time.)
• Let your request be made known, vs6 (Go ahead and voice those prayers.)
• Then the peace of God will guard your heart, vs.7
• KEEP READING
• Think on these things: whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent
• Practice these things, vs8
• AND the peace of God will be with you, vs9