Ever since I was a child I have wondered what it would be like to be a bird, soaring high above the earth. I’ve dreamed of the remarkable view of God’s world I would have, of the freedom to fly at will and unhindered.
But not long ago, I remembered my fear of heights. I was sitting on a mountain top watching a bird flying over a canyon, periodically diving for bugs, and as I imagined myself looking down from the bird’s vantage point, I had that sudden lurch of fear that I get when I peer over railings. For the first time in my life the idea of soaring like a bird sounded unpleasant.
Worry. Fear. Anxiety.
Most of us have struggled with these peace-crushing emotions at one time or another. For some, anxiety is an ongoing, life-sucking burden.
I have grappled with anxiety and fear throughout my life. Even now I find it lurking around the corners at times, waiting to trap me emotionally.
As I have spent time in Philippians 4:1-9 this week, I have been overwhelmed by the richness of the passage. Philippians 4:8 alone is worthy of its own book… a veritable treatise on the thought life.
But my eye and heart keep being drawn back to Philippians 4:6-7…
… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s word is clear. There is nothing, nothing, about which I need be anxious. Do not be anxious about anything.
Instead, in everything (no exceptions!) I am to turn to God in prayer. With a thankful heart, I must offer all my requests and worries to Him. The remarkable promised result is Gods’ peace… the very opposite of anxiety. When I offer every bit of worry and fear to God, I am living the truth that I can trust Him to always have my best interests at heart.
God’s peace is not just a gift for my heart, it is also for my mind. His peace guards my heart and mind. God desires to protect and soothe not only my emotions, but also my thoughts. This is a supernatural peace, found only in Christ Jesus, and not dependent on circumstance.
God created each of us for a unique purpose in His world. Just as He created that soaring, diving bird I watched over the canyon. The bird had no fear, because it was equipped for the very thing it was doing. It was not afraid to fall, because God had given it wings and the knowledge to use them to preserve its life.
Like the bird, I have been equipped, and so have you. The bird was given wings that not only helped it soar to higher heights, but also brought it safely to the ground. You and I have been gifted prayer not only to lift us up, but also to guard and guide us to a safe landing, in peace, through Jesus Christ.
How about you? What truth from this week’s passage grabbed your attention?
photos by Carol Carpenter
The verses from this week are so rich. Even though they are familiar, it is wonderful to see what God is leading us to do currently. There were 3 verses that God spoke to me about this week (through the application part of the study):
-rejoice in the Lord (I’ve been negative lately)
-walk in gentleness (KJV says moderation there in 4:5 so I looked it up and it means mild, gentle, forbearance, to refrain from doing something. It seems to lean toward a person’s temperament.)
-the list of “meditate on these things.” (I read a book years ago and the story was how the young lady was transformed by applying this 1 verse in every area of her life. Wow. Transformed.)
Loving this study! And great post Patti!
Oh yes, that list of boundaries for our thoughts in Phil 4:8 is the other big thing that I continue to ponder deeply from this passage. It is startling to me the degree to which I don’t put this into practice. So convicting.
I love vv. 6-7 as well. So encouraging and such promise. *Divine Stress Management* And then v. 8, like you said could have an entire book(s) written on it.
I like that Paul implies our choice in the meditation. We have choice as to what we will think upon. Our minds are not at the mercy of circumstance or suffering. We can choose to meditate on the true things. Bringing every thought captive to obedience. (Thanks Patti!)
Oh I like that! Divine Stress Management. :-)
I needed that verse today…. thank you :)
Me too, Kelly, me too. God is so gracious to give us just what we need when we need it.
What a life changing group of verses. I love how Paul doesn’t give us any wiggle room. Rejoice in the Lord always, not just when my life is going the way I planned it. Do not be anxious about anything, not even the things I think I am justified to worry about (mainly kids). And think about excellent and praiseworthy things (junk in, junk out). But I really love verse 9 and how he says now that you have learned all of these things, PUT IT INTO PRACTICE. Don’t walk around with head knowledge that you don’t live out in your life. Thanks for this study. I needed it this summer.
It’s so true. These nine verses are incredibly powerful, particularly because they can and should be acted on, and as KellySinging points out, if we do, we will be transformed from the inside out.
When I was listing the “commands” found in these verses, this passage is filled with them! And they are all such powerful and applicable commands, too. These verses always convict me. Like you said, there is NOTHING I should be anxious about. And yet I still worry! Why? My focus needs to remain on Him, which is where verse 8 impacts me so greatly again.
Thank you for this great post, Patti.