Philippians 4. The peace of God from the God of peace

Philippians 4:1-9 ESV
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. [2] I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. [3] Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. [4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


Many circumstances cause us to be concerned.  
I have mentally gone down rabbit holes of depression when confronted with various threats.  
The man who grew marijuana at Glen Innes who wanted to kill me when his wife brought in 27 plants she found.  I burnt them off when I could find no help.  He had handguns and hand grenades as one policeman informed me when I rang for help. His boss was the owner of a 50 acre crop.
Or the brain addled grass smoker who put a rifle to his son’s head and then decided to blow me and my young family away at East Hills.  The police caught him with his rifle two doors from my house.  
Or the death threat from the bikie gang at Riverstone.  
Or the deacon who wanted to throw me off the side of a building because I wasn’t supportive of his affair. 
Or …. It goes on.  
But most difficult have been contentious ladies in churches.  It is still no different today.  
How do you stop from being disturbed? How can you or I find peace in this dark world of strife?  How can you not respond in anger and bitterness to some real …. 

 1. Stand firm in the Lord. Phil 1:27. Together.

2. Stay founded on the Lord being present with you now always. 
John Patton of New Hebrides Lo I am with you always 
While cannibals sort to kill and eat him for three days he hid above them in a hollow of a tree.  
Or David Livingstone “the word of a gentleman “ while alone on the heart of Africa. 
Or how firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord … 
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
In ev'ry condition, in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea —
The Lord, the Almighty, your strength e'er shall be.
Fear not, I am with you. Oh, be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
For I will be with you your troubles to bless
And sanctify to you your deepest distress.
Throughout all their lifetime my people shall prove
My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love,
And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still on my shoulders be borne.

3. Show trust by presenting every anxiety to Him

4. Know Peace

5. Guard your thoughts. 


Know the God of peace.  



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