How To Be At Peace, Part 3

We’ve been talking about being a peace by controlling our thoughts rather than letting our thoughts control us. Imagine being SO good at this that you could find enough peace of mind that you could encourage others in the midst of your own struggles...serious struggles like being falsely accused of treason and thrown in jail with people actively working to see you killed. In the midst of these kinds of “life struggles”, the Apostle Paul shared his secret to finding peace: 
  
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” And then here is where Paul believed this would lead: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 
(from Pauls’ letter to the Philippians)

You may say, “Hang on, I’m not a religious person.” That’s OK, the guy we know as “the Apostle Paul” once hated the Christian faith so much he hunted down and helped kill Christians….till he had a personal encounter with the One he was trying to eradicate (but that’s another story, ask me about it if you want more details).
   
So this Paul, whose life was now defined by ongoing trials and persecutions said, “Don’t worry about anything!” How can he say that? How could he/how can we have that kind of peace in our lives despite all that is going on? Paul said, “Instead of worrying, start with thanksgiving and bring all your needs (“everything”) as a request to God in prayer”. If you’d like to have control over your thoughts and have that kind of peace, here’s 4 things Paul said would help:

1. Don’t worry about ANYTHING. The stuff you think you have control over and the stuff you know you don’t have any control over. Instead of worry, do this...
2. Take EVERYTHING to God. Don’t try to fix it with another “brilliant idea” (like the one that got you into this situation in the first place). Instead take it to God this way...
3. With THANKSGIVING - We can’t control our circumstances, but we can control our thoughts. In the midst of the crazy, what is one thing you can thank God for. Start there and then…
4. Bring your REQUESTS to God. Not expectations. Not demands, not feeling you have a “right” to anything. God doesn’t owe you, but He does love you.
   
Next week we’ll look at the kind of peace Paul said this brought to his life. This week, why not try Paul’s approach and see what happens? Even if you’re not religious, start simple, “God, this is worrying me. I am bringing this to You. Thank you that I will make it through (find something to thank Him for). Will you please help me?” And then see if your mind is not more at peace...and be sure to thank Him when things change. 
  
I am praying for you this week, 
Pastor Rob

How To Be At Peace series Part 1  Part 2  Part 3, Part 4, Part 5