Could you use some calm?

If so, you aren't alone. We could all use these words of peace:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

How? Paul places his promise in the context of four admonitions:

  • The first admonition is that we celebrate God's goodness — Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).

  • The second admonition is to ask God for help — Present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).

    • The third admonition is to leave your concerns with him — “With thanksgiving …” (Philippians 4:6).

    The fourth admonition is to meditate on good things — “Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

C—A—L—M.

Calm — And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9).

Trade your cares for calm.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,t will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9).

Trade Your Cares for Calm

© Max Lucado.

Used by permission, all rights reserved.