5 Imperatives Related to Our Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

How often have you lacked peace in your life? Unresolved conflict, overwhelming choices, and negative circumstances all contribute to the unsettling of our hearts.
Paul’s external experience was anything but peaceful, and the Philippians faced many things that threatened their tranquility, but Paul uses 5 emphatic imperatives to impress upon the Philippians the importance of trusting the Lord to provide peace in their hearts and peace with one another.

We are to rejoice and in case we miss it, he says, it again, rejoice! This is because we are connected to all the good gifts, promises, and work of God in our life. We have much for which to be thankful.
We are also to pursue forbearance and gentleness in our conduct with others. This is the fruit of our life with Christ and his presence in our lives.
The final two imperatives instruct us to lay aside our anxious thoughts and worries by sharing with God all the concerns of our hearts. We do this continually, with thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness, knowing that God will provide the peace we are seeking.

How can God do this? He has already done it by healing our souls and guaranteeing hope and a future through what Jesus accomplished on the cross and through the empty tomb. Our certain future brings peace to our present, for the Lord is near.

Our Good God,
Thank you for bringing peace to us and protecting our internal life as we grow together. Help us to care for one another as Christians so that peace will be present in our midst. Thank you for the innumerable ways you provide and care for us. We rejoice and give thanks that you hear and consider all our concerns. This provides a restful spirit as we trust in you.
In Christ’s name, Amen