And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NAS95)
By the time Paul wrote to the Philippians, he’d traversed nearly 30 years as a Christian through life. He lived prayer and attention to God. He knew how God met him and engaged in conversation. For Paul, meeting God was the point of prayer. Not putting in time for religious activities, but investing in relationship. He expected God to interact. Paul understood that praying doesn’t bring God near, but makes clear His nearness and presence. Paul encouraged prayer in all circumstances because he’d journeyed through more situations and adversity than anyone can imagine. He had confidence that God was available with full attention everywhere. God’s presence with Paul through those conversations meant peace, granted strength, and filled him with affirmation and love.
Prayer, more than anything for Paul, changed his perspective. It moved him from self-centered interests to God’s interests. It transformed fear into confidence. Paul’s awareness in prayer would recall that God has all things in control, including that He loves and redeems. Paul understood his circumstances, good or bad, had a role in seeing life transformation come to those around him, those he wanted to reach with the good news of the Kingdom. His experience with prayer told him so. Emotions tamed. Anxieties alleviated. His heart and mind renewed. All due to spending time with God. He desired as much for the Philippians, that they could move from strife to life through communing with God. In everything pray (Phil 4:6), and God’s loving presence will overwhelm you with peace. He reigns.
For Reflection:
“The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11 NAS95)
- What happens in your anxious and fearful moments, when you choose to pray?
- How does God meet you when you share with Him your emotional responses to troubling circumstances or times?
