By Marilyn Marinelli
Philippians 4:6-8
Introduction
Our peace, in troubled times, can sometimes get lost. Then fear begins to move in and rage takes over. What a crowd. Is your peace under attack? Does fear rage in you? No not me, I’m blessed. Why should I take a look at me, me, and me? How about all the other people and all the other circumstances that trips me up. I was happy before they all showed up.
Now come on let’s face it, we all would like to blame someone else for our problems.
It’s so much easier. Sure I’d rather blame anyone else but me. But guess what, they don’t care or aren’t even aware how they are affecting you, you, you. You’re the one that is walking around with no peace inside with fear trailing behind and sure enough something stupid comes out of your mouth and rage just may raise it’s ugly head. So, looking at me, me, and me may be a really good idea. As we look at Me! Me! Me! Let us see what God says in His word to help us get on the right track.
In Philippians 1:4, God says, “My brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
My, what a greeting. God loves us and longs for us. We are a joy and crown.
Philippians 4:6-8 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Wow, God is telling us to be happy, how? “I don’t want to be happy. I’ve lost my peace. I’m sitting in fear. I’m going to just blow my lid.” But, God is saying to us that we first need to come to Him in prayer, letting Him know our request. Then we will receive peace… Peace from God that other people couldn’t understand. Peace that you could have in your situation, because they couldn’t have it without God’s help. God then instructs us as to what to keep our minds on. What is true, pure, honest, lovely, of good report, if there be any virtue, or any praise think on these things. I’m sure it does not take an o.k. God?, I got it. It takes application each day, at every turn and circumstance. You want peace? Then you need to work on it. God will always help us as we apply His directions to our life.
Are you still with me? Let’s go on and see what else God has to say to help us to keep our peace during troubled times.
Colossians 3:8 “But now you also put off all these, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Ouch ….
II Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Think about that! If we walk by faith, then we see how God wants us to see the situation. If we walk by sight, we could just about lose it, can’t we?
God understand that we will have tribulation but reminds us that Jesus has overcome them all, as in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have PEACE. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
But how am I going to do this Lord?
John 16:13 “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.”
In other words, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and show us things to come. It will be o.k. if we stay in our walk with the Lord and apply His word in our situation.
Ephesians 2:1-10 Let’s us know that God understands where we have been but let’s us know He is rich in mercy and love towards us. He reminds us that by His grace we are saved. Very important!
I Timothy 6:10 Shows us not to look towards money. Don’t make our finances our god because many have gone down that road and found much sorrow.
What should we do instead? Glad you asked.
Acts 26:16-18 “But rise, and stand upon your feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
God has not called His children to sit in fear, rage or a loss of peace. Rather, to stand in Him and minister to others.
II Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom).”
Isn’t that what we all are looking for, freedom?
In Jeremiah 10:10-12 God let’s us know who He is. He is the true God; he made the earth, by His power, wisdom and discretion. In Jeremiah 9:23-24 We are told not to glory in our wisdom, might or riches.
Isaiah 60:1-3 encourages us to arise and shine. That God’s light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon us. Also, that His glory shall be seen on you.
But what about me? I’m still hurting right now. Psalm 140:12 says, “I know the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.” God knows your hurts and will always, continually be there for you.
And our prayer should be like, Psalm 141:8 “But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” Put your eyes on God and trust Him and pray that your soul (mind, will and emotions) will not be barren or empty.
Psalm 53:5 shows us that they were in great fear, where no fear was: for God had scattered the bones of him that encamped against them. God had put them to shame, because God despised them. Sometimes we’re just afraid of things that aren’t even there any more. God has taken care of the situation, yet the fears of the past keep coming back to steal your peace.
But look at this scripture…Psalm 55:18 “He has delivered my soul (mind, will and emotions) in PEACE from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.”
Isn’t that great! God delivers us in peace from the battles against us as we turn to Him for His help, guidance, and direction as we apply His word to our situations.
When we have understood and receive our victory, we can then say as the Psalmist in Psalm 41:11 & 12 “By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy does not triumph over me. And as for me, thou upholds me in my integrity, and sets me before thy face for ever.”
Therefore, our confession should be:
Micah 7: 7 & 8 “Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. (Resurrection Power)…Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.”
Praise God! You Win…
Can you do it? Yes. Will you do it? If you do, you will gain your peace back.
Praise God.
Until next time,
Rev. Marilyn Marinelli