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"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philip. 4:6-7). The promise of peace of mind is one of the most precious in all the Scriptures. Some of the greatest problems we have in our society are unrest, confusion, unhappiness, and the lack of emotional stability in the lives of so many people. The divorce rate, the increase in the use of drugs and alcohol, and the climbing rate of suicide, are simply statistics that revolve around the fact that people have not found peace of mind.
This is not how our Lord would have us to live. Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn. 10:10). The blessed life that Jesus came to give is not just a life that we look forward to living at the end of time. Life that Jesus gives is a blessed spiritual life that begins here and continues throughout eternity (Jn. 1:25-26). Without Christ, without faithful obedience to Him in our lives and taking advantage of His wonderful promises, life is miserable.
There are many things we can allow to rob us of the peace the Lord wants us to have. One of the greatest causes of mental anguish and anxiety is guilt. No one can have peace within themselves when the guilt of sin lies within their heart, causing a broken relationship with God. Psychology has realized for many years that guilt causes insatiably, irritability, and anxiety. What psychology has found out, however, the Bible has taught all along. "There is no peace for the wicked, says the Lord" (Isa. 48:22). "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud" (Isa. 57:20). To keep guilt within oneself and act as through it isn't there can tear one to pieces (Ps. 32:2). Jesus, knowing what guilt does to individuals says, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). He is speaking about those who are weary and weight down with the burden of the guilt of sin. No one has to live with guilt, for we can have the guilt of sin washed away by repenting and being baptized (Ac. 22:16). Until one gets rid of the guilt of sin they will never have peace of mind.
Fear also robs people of peace of mind. People fear all sorts of things: small places, falling, illnesses, etc. Yet, I suppose the greatest fear that is shared by all is the fear of death. We can try to put it out of our minds, but as the Scriptures declare, "It is appointed for all men once to die and after death comes the judgment" (Heb. 9:27). "The living know that they shall die," (Ecc. 9:5) yet, we know not when. We must simply be ready to die, for unless we are ready we live in fear. The Scriptures speak of people living in the fear of death and explain that this is the reason Jesus came, to deliver us from that slavery of the fear of death (Heb. 2:14-16). In Christ one needs not to fear death. To the Christian there is no "sting" to death (1Cor. 15:55), but "to die is gain" (Philip. 2:21). Through Christ there is no fear of death because there is hope of eternal live, but without Him there is only a fiery expectation of judgment to come.
Worry, too, is something that keeps many from having peace of mind. Worry is one of the most destructive forces to our health. It has been called the grave digger that digs an untimely grave. It is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but it does not get you anywhere. Many worry about the future. Most of the time, however, what we get ourselves so worked up over never amounts to anything. Even if it does, what does it help to worry? Jesus says, "Do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own" (Mt. 6:34). Some worry about the past. If it doesn't make any sense to worry about the future, it surly doesn't make any sense to worry about the past. That is like crying over spilt milk; there's nothing you can do a bout it. We all make mistakes and wrong decisions. We all sin and err, but worry changes nothing. The thing to do is repent, seek forgiveness, and serve the Lord now, "forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Philip. 3:13).
The peace of God is only found in Jesus Christ. For only through Him can we be made free from the guilt of sin, the fear of death, and not be plagued with worries. Do you have the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension?
Proverbs 3:13
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
The Preacher exhorted his son to search for wisdom (2:1-9); it would save him from much trouble (2:10-21). To further excite his son, and us, in our pursuit of it, he describes great blessings it will bring (3:14-18). Together, they would make any man very happy. Compared economically, obtaining wisdom and understanding is better than a prosperous business in gold and silver (3:14). They are of greater value than rubies (3:15). In fact, wisdom and understanding are more important than anything you could possible seek in your life (3:15). Financial gain does not give lasting happiness to any man, and it brings enormous worries and problems with it (23:4-5; Eccl 5:10-17; I Tim 6:9-10). Wisdom and understanding will give you a long life, riches, and honor (3:16). They will bring you pleasantness and peace (3:17). They will be the source of a wonderful life; and if you keep them, you will be very happy (3:18). There is nothing this world has to offer that can even compare. Why will you waste any more effort chasing something else? If this fabulous description of the benefits of wisdom and understanding was only half true, we should still make getting them a priority! Nothing else you are working for even comes close. But Solomon, king of Israel, knew what he wrote. Having tried every sort of project and pleasure to find profit and happiness in this life, he concluded that wisdom and understanding are the great goals (8:32-36). See the comments on 25:1. Wisdom and understanding know the basis and purpose for life and how to deal rightly with each situation life brings. Instead of the hopeless confusion of not knowing what man is here for and how to handle life's problems, those with wisdom and understanding find life a pleasant and peaceful experience with much happiness. They are successful and rich, as measured by noble standards; and they are honored among good men. Wisdom and understanding are built on the foundation of fearing the Lord (1:7; 9:10). They are increased by rejecting your own ideas and trusting the Lord's instruction (3:5-7), which is found in His holy scriptures (II Tim 3:16-17), especially Proverbs. God raised up Solomon and inspired these select proverbs to teach young men, and every reader, wisdom and understanding (1:1-4). Learning them should be a daily goal. Every day must include begging God for wisdom (Jas 1:5), repudiating your own folly (Job 33:27), searching the Scriptures for it (Acts 17:11), and doing what you learn (Jas 1:22). With effort applied in these areas, you will find wisdom and get understanding (2:5,8; 8:17). But you must sacrifice to make this a priority. See the comments on 18:1. Ultimate and infinite wisdom and understanding are in the Lord Jesus Christ (Col 2:3). He came to give His elect children the abundant life, as they believe and obey more and more perfectly (John 10:10). In Him is full and unspeakable joy (I Pet 1:8; I John 1:4)!
Be Praying Christian
Text: Philippians 4:6-8
Theme: To encourage God's people to pray more.
Introduction: 1. I!Peter!1:5-9 - Salvation through Christ - our faith will be tried - prayer will bolster our faith. 2. I!Peter!2:21-25 - Jesus is our example and pattern - a. We seek to be Christ-like I!Corinthians!11:1 b. Christ lives in the Christian �Galatians!2:20 3. One who does not pray is hardly following a praying Christ. a. Jesus instructed people to pray - Luke 18:1 (parable of the unjust judge). b. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray � Matthew!6. c. Jesus often prayed. 1) John 17:21 -Intercessory prayer. 2) Luke 22:42 - �Not my will, but thine be done.� 3) Luke 23:24 - prayer on the cross for his murderers. 4. But all this is introductory to the real thrust of the lesson. Discussion: I. Prayer is a privilege of the Christian - A privilege because of what can be accomplished in prayer. A. Prayer has the unique way of purifying the mind and unburdening the soul - Matthew!21:22. 1. If one is afflicted physically or mentally, he may pray for help - James 5:13. 2. Paul urges prayer as an antidote for anxiety. a. Philippians!4:6,7. b. I!Peter 5:7. c. {Dr. Dan Blazer (Duke Univ.) prays with patients who are members of the church.} d. Sing - What a friend we have in Jesus. e. Emphasize - Privilege, peace, release from burdens. B. Prayer is a vital part of God�s plan for forgiveness when a Christian repents and confesses his sin. 1. I!John 1:7-9. 2. Acts 8:22. II. Prayer is the responsibility of the Christian. A. I!Thessalonians!5:17 - prayer is vastly important in the life of the Christian. B. Many things Christians need to accomplish in prayer. 1. Pray for others. a. Other Christians - James 5:16. b. For those that are not Christians � Romans!10:1. c. For leaders � I!Timothy!2:1- 3. d. For enemies - Matthew!5:43,44. 2. A way to express our gratitude toward God. a. Remember the ten lepers. b. Examples in the Bible of giving thanks for food. 3. Thus - I Timothy!2:18 - pray anywhere. III. Some things hinder effectual praying. A. Mistreating a marriage partner - I!Peter!3:7. B. Failing to refrain the tongue from evil. 1. I!Peter!3:10 - context of I!Peter!3:12. a. Blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth - James 3:10. b. The speech of the Christian should be carefully guarded � Colossians!4:6. C. Engaging in evil practices - I!Peter!3:11. D. Lack of Faith - James 1:6. Conclusion: 1. A vital force in Jesus� life was prayer. a. Luke 6:12 all night. b. Luke 22:44 Scaling the mountain of prayer, appreciating all its benefits 2. Supreme Court - a. Not banned private prayer. b. Not banned prayer in a public voluntary assembly. c. But have you banned it in your life? - Prayer will give you the help you need etc.
Do you ever wonder why you behave the way you do? Ever want to know what makes you think, feel, and act the way you do? How your way of perceiving things, your reality, might differ from that of another person's?
