Five Steps to Peace in Difficult Days (Part 1)
What is your source of peace in these difficult days of the early 21st century? You may be
fighting a financial battle due to unemployment and the looming prospect of foreclosure on your home. Maybe you’re facing a serious health issue that could drastically alter your life. It may be that your family and marriage are in great turmoil and threatening to dissolve. Just fill in the blank. It has been said, “We’re either headed into a crisis, in the middle of one, or coming out of one.” Coming out of one is our first choice. Hindsight gives us a better understanding of God’s plan in our pain, which may provide some peace. The Apostle Paul provides some steps to real, lasting peace in Philippians 4:4-9.
First, focus on God not your difficulty. That’s much easier said than done, but that is what Paul means, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (v.4 NIV). He’s not saying rejoice in your trials, but rather rejoice in your trust in God which is different. Real joy flows from a core belief that God is in control of all things and only allows things which are for your ultimate good into your life. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). The Apostle James said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2 NIV). The trials don’t bring joy; it’s what God is doing in and through us that brings joy. Because we are assured that He loves us and always has our best interest at heart. That’s what Job did when a double disaster of losing his possessions and family hit him; he said, “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Second, learn the blessing of serving others. Paul says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (v.5). Whenever you focus on God His Spirit will motivate you to serve others. Gentleness in this text means showing kindness, patience, and concern for others. How can you develop a gentle nature? Paul says by living each day with awareness that God is close to you always. As His nearness provides comfort, hope and strength to you so you should be His ambassador to others proclaiming the blessings of being in close relationship with God. As you experience a daily intimate relationship with God His serving and loving character will grow in you naturally. Just as apple blossoms grow out on a healthy apple tree branch and continue to grow into mature, beautiful, delicious apples over time. So, if God’s Spirit is flowing in you daily your life will produce, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
Third, lift all your troubles to God in prayer. I’ve had nights when my mind was so filled with anxiety over circumstances that it was difficult to sleep. Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God” (Phil. 4:6 NIV). To be continued….
Pastor David Bittinger
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