“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and 1supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7) 1deésis: a deep personal need.
LET’S LOOK AT THESE ASPECTS:
- DON’T WORRY: Worrying can affect the body in ways that may surprise us. When worrying becomes extreme, it can lead to feelings of high anxiety and even cause us to become physically ill, chances are it will trigger the stress response. That’s why we are told to, “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart, And LEAN NOT on your own understanding (our ability to reason)…It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” (Prov. 3:5-8)
- PRAY: “The 2effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man 3avails much” (James 5:16). 2energeō: sufficient to produce a desired result. 3ischuō: to put forth power. When we pray effectually and fervently, POWER goes out to accomplish what is needed.
- SUPPLICATE: 1deésis: a deep personal need. “DRAW NEAR TO GOD and He will DRAW NEAR TO YOU. Cleanse your hands..purify your hearts…” (James 4:8)
- THANKSGIVING: “I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness…I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart…I will give you thanks in the great assembly…I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving…Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving…Enter the LORD’s gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good…Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting…I thank and praise you, God, You have given me wisdom and power…” (Psa. 7:17, 9:1, 35:18, 69:30, 95:1-2, 100:4-5, 107:1, Dan. 2:23)
- THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES: Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace because He restores every broken relationship, provides a well-ordered and balanced life, and offers the assurance of eternal life. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE.” (Isa. 9:6)
Jesus Christ is the only reason we can truly live PEACEFULLY WITH GOD. That surpasses (goes far beyond) our ability to understand…
-Bill Stockham