Worthy Thoughts

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 
 
LET’S begin with the last phrase “these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”  Know that this is more than saying, “Peace be with you.” Paul is saying “the God of peace will be with you.” Think about that. This is not simply saying God will give you a peaceful day. The God of peace is the One who has brought eternal reconciliation between you and Him through Jesus Christ. You are no longer his enemy as an unbeliever (Philippians 3:18). Through His gracious gift of faith (Ephesians 2) to know Jesus as Savior, God has signed and sealed an unbreakable peace treaty with Jesus’ blood between you and him.
    Are you beginning to feel His presence over you because “the God of peace” has promised to be with you? Can you relax in your faith to set your mind on “the God of peace”? Yes, set your mind on God and away from the multitude of life’s woes that assault your mind. Turn your mind from needless worry and unreasonable fears. Instead, set your mind to God’s good things that are true for you because you are His child. Put your mind on words that honor others. Honor yourself as you see your value in Jesus. Mind your mind to the peace of knowing what is right and wrong.
    Look to Jesus’ holiness. See His beautiful salvation for you. Have a mind to bless others and see what is good in people. Look for things that are well-done, and praise people for the good things they do. Think of what’s right as you place God’s truths in your mind with His eternally comforting words. Know He is “the God of peace” who offers to be with you.
 
Joy Link: Remember: “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalms 46:11)