I love the book of Philippians, especially chapter 4 – it is so full of practical and transforming truth. Ever read it? Try it now – it’s amazing! It talks about rejoicing, always! I remember recently when I was feeling quite down, thinking about how much I had lost when my husband died and a thought came into my mind, “Phone Louise.” Louise is a good friend of mine, so I called her and during our conversation I started to laugh at some of the stories she was telling me. We laughed so much that when I came off the phone, I realised I was in a much brighter mood. Laughter is a massive gift from God that we need to use regularly. So next time you feel down, why not call a friend who you know will encourage you to laugh, or watch a funny film or recall a hilarious story that has happened to you in the past – and rejoice! As you do, the thoughts within you will change.
If you are worried about something then do what it says in verse 6 – train your mind not to worry, instead present your concerns to God in prayer, thanking him that although you don’t know the answer, he does. Then notice what verse 7 says, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus….wow!! We all want the peace that passes understanding, but we only live in it if we don’t worry and decide to give our problems/difficulties to God in prayer. The peace of Christ is a gift that Jesus has already given us. John 14:27 says, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give you!” He has already given it to us, but we need to learn to live in it by not worrying, by changing our thoughts and receiving the peace that I have experienced and can testify is so wonderful. When my husband died and I was in mourning, God gave me two gifts. One was the gift of a peace that passes all understanding and the other was what I called a bubble of joy (The full story is in my books – Who Would Ever Have Thought and Our Greatest Adventure). These two things were exactly what I needed to experience after not understanding why God had allowed my husband to die. I took the deliberate step of praying out loud to God telling him that I trusted him even though I did not understand what had just happened and God flooded my heart with peace and joy right in the midst of mourning!
When we are worried and concerned about issues, it’s so important to control our thoughts and Philippians 4:7 tells us clearly how to do that. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, then think about such things. When we begin to realise that our thoughts are taking us down the wrong route and we are getting overwhelmed with sorrow or pain, then drag your thoughts away and begin to think and dwell on the truth of the word of God, begin to think about good and positive things, things that are good, lovely, right, and pure – and in verse 9 it tells us that the peace of God will be with you! The Bible is not just a history book, it’s a book that speaks truth and points the way to freedom. Woohoo! So pick up the Bible, open it at Philippians and let’s experience the joy and peace that God has for us all.
