Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12
The apostle gives Believers everywhere assurance and hope as face the worst days of their lives. Trials and tribulations will come to everyone. Christians, however, persevere during the difficulties because they have the promises of God. True Christ-followers receive eternal life with Jesus. And nothing can take that away.
The crown mentioned in verse 12 is the crown of life, or the crown of eternal life. Those who are truly saved will persevere. We may sin and we may make mistakes. But, the true Believer will not quit and give up. They keep on going even when it’s tough. The ultimate reward is life with Christ for all eternity.
Are you ready to give up? Realize that God is with you and that your trials are leading you to Christ.
1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God ;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 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.
Philippians 4:1-9
This week’s study will focus on the peace of God. The peace of the Lord is what all God’s people desire and want. Yet, it remains elusive to Christians who struggle with doubt and fear. Paul’s teaching in verses 6 and 7 of Philippians 4 gives the Believer the roadmap to peace. An examination of these verses is in order.
Achieving the peace of God includes letting go of anxiety. How does one do such a thing? Letting go of worry involves focusing upon God and not one’s self. Moving past anxiety means remembering the Lord’s promised in His Word. And letting go of worrisome thoughts leads the Believer to rest in the power, presence, and sovereignty of the one true God, the covenant keeping God. Discarding worry is paramount to realizing God’s peace.
The Christian is also commanded to be prayer always and to allow thanksgiving to be a prominent part of our time with the Savior. Child of God, pray about everything and ask for God’s peace to invade your existence. Continue in thanksgiving and praise every single day. Gazing upon what one does not have leads only to despair. Being thankful for what one has been given propels the people of God to peace that passes all understanding.
Finally, let the requests of your heart be made known unto God. Ask in faith believing that God is able. He won’t always do what we want Him to do. The Lord is always faithful and does what is best for His children.
Achieving peace is a battle and sometimes Christians give in to fear and doubt. When we practice these precepts on daily basis, God’s people are able to live progressively free from fear. The people of the Savior will learn peace when they bring their thinking in line with Scripture and when they attack every anxiety through prayer.
I pray that God’s peace will be experienced and realized by each of you this week!
mrtonyfrench 