Posted by 90 Days of Prayer- Day Eighteen
Philippians 4:6-7
“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, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Chapter 4 begins with Paul’s summation (“Therefore”) of all he’s written the Philippian Church in the preceding chapters. Their commitment to fellowship (Koinonia) with him in the gospel, made them his very dear friends prompting him to call them “my joy and crown.” He encourages them to be unified in standing firm in the Lord as they’ve been doing.
The Power of Unity
In verses 6 and 7 Paul encourages them to continue standing firm in the Lord together. It was their collective conviction that caused the gospel of peace to become so effective in the community. Unity is the one condition that produces peace and causes the blessings of God to dwell among the Church. Unity is foundational to answered prayer, we read in Matthew 18:19-20; “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
The Dangers of Individualism
Unity in Christ always brings the manifest Presence of God upon His people. Disunity or Individualism breeds division, “di-vision;” “Di” meaning two or double, hence division is seeing double or two differing visions, destroys unity and eliminates peace. This is why the devil focuses his attacks on believers who dwell together in unity, and Psalm 133 tells us why.
The Power of Peace
Paul tells the Church “Do not be anxious about anything.” Anxiety destroys peace and produces unrest, and can hinder our praying. This is easy to fall victim to, if we continue focusing on the mountains of challenges that stand before us, instead of keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, the Prince of Peace! Isaiah prophesies that “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain” (see Isaiah 40:4). This is true for those who stand together cooperating with God. The Philippians were unified in walking in joy and peace in the midst of some very turbulent times.
Jesus taught his followers that a simple measure of genuine faith will move the mountains that stand before them. Nothing is impossible with God! God’s peace will fill every area of our lives, and calm every fear; if we will stand together resting on the fact, that He has everything which concerns us under control. It is interesting to note that “peace” in verse 7 is the word “eirene” which means: “harmony” “tranquility” and “health.” These are the very qualities of Kingdom living that anxiety undermines.
God’s Peace will Guard You
Continue to make your requests with confidence and do not be afraid, because God knows how to care for you. Meditate on God’s Word and receive God’s faith to speak to those mountainous challenges that stand before you, and they will move. Rest upon God’s promises and the facts of redemption, and His peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Stand against fear and anxieties of all types, take your rest in God’s ability to care for you, Be filled with joy in His presence, Be prayerful, Be at peace and Be Encouraged! -JSP
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