Youth Sunday: Unshakeable Peace
For Meditation
Paul’s closing remarks to the Philippians are found in this final chapter. What’s striking is what he finds important. He doesn’t encourage them to face each day, ready to fight whatever lies might come their way. He doesn’t tell the Philippians to defend their faith at all costs. Paul doesn’t call the Philippians to do anything extreme. Instead, he calls them to a peaceful life of joyful, gentle faith.
The Philippians lived in a turbulent time that wasn’t favorable toward Christians. They faced potential and ongoing persecution for their faith. No matter what the Philippians faced as Christians, Paul wanted them to remember to always find their joy in the Lord. He reminded them to be known by everyone for their gentleness because gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. According to Paul, gentleness is an essential mark of what it means to be a Christian. In a colony of rich and powerful people, Paul wanted Philippian Christians to stand out among the crowd with unending gentleness toward others.
Paul reminds them of God's nearness and encourages them not to worry but to give everything to the Lord. He promises that when they do this, God will guard their hearts and minds with a peace that surpasses all understanding. We can rejoice even in the hardest of times because God's peace guards our hearts and minds with His grace, goodness, and might! And because of all of our gifts in prayer, we can rejoice!
As you prepare for worship this week, consider how to make your gentleness known. What does it look like for you to rejoice in the Lord today? What things weigh on your heart? Take these requests to God in faith that he is near and that he will answer you and bring peace to your heart and mind.
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.