- Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
- Philippians 4:5 - Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
- Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Philippians 4:9 - Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
- Romans 8:5 - For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
As we meditate on things that are true and beautiful, God gives us peace that surpasses all understanding.
Philippians 4:4–9
In difficult times, we all want to experience joy and peace, feel secure, and be assured of God’s love for us. However, worries and pressures often unknowingly push these feelings aside and relegate them to the background.
Consider two insects in a garden. The fly gravitates towards rotten places, passing by flowers. The bee, however, moves from flower to flower, collecting life-giving nectar. Both are in the same environment, but they achieve different results based on what they focus their attention on.
Paul also knew this truth. In Philippians 4:8, he doesn't want us to ignore difficulties and bad things. He teaches us what to focus our attention on: 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely... think on these things.' (See also Romans 8:5.)
To think is not to merely glance at good things, but to continually direct our attention to them. As we learn to return our thoughts to what is true and beautiful, God transforms our mind and heart. Thus, the peace of God, 'which passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7), becomes a reality in our lives.
Reflection
How does directing our thoughts to God's Word and to beautiful things make a difference in our lives?
