0:00 Good morning.0:01 There is a peace available to you that does not depend on your circumstances.0:07 In our last time together, we looked for a quiet word to ground and encourage us for the day.0:15 Today, let’s go to the source of that grounding.0:19 Let’s find the place where true contentment lives, even when the world is loud and demanding.0:27 This comes to us from the apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell.0:33 A reading from his letter to the Philippians, chapter four.0:38 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.0:48 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.0:54 Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.1:10 Rejoice in the Lord always!1:12 Again I will say, Rejoice!1:14 Let your gentleness be known to all men.1:18 The Lord is at hand.1:20 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.1:30 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.1:40 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, 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 any praise, think about these things.2:03 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.2:13 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your concern for me; in which you were also concerned, but you lacked opportunity.2:26 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.2:34 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound.2:39 In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.2:50 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.2:54 Nevertheless, you did well that you shared in my affliction.2:59 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.3:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.3:21 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.3:28 But I have all things, and abound.3:31 I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.3:44 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.3:52 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever.3:57 Amen.3:57 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.4:00 The brothers who are with me greet you.4:03 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.4:10 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.4:14 Amen.4:15 Did you hear it?4:16 The central instruction is to rejoice.4:19 Always.4:20 And that can sound… impossible.4:22 Uncaring, even.4:24 How can you rejoice when you’re worried about a bill, or a loved one, or your own health?4:31 But Paul isn’t talking about a feeling.4:35 He’s talking about a decision.4:37 He’s writing this from prison, remember.4:41 His joy is not based on his comfort or his freedom.4:45 His joy is based on a single, unchanging fact: The Lord is near.4:50 So here is what that means for you, right now, at this breakfast table.4:56 When anxiety starts to creep in today, the instruction isn't to pretend you're not anxious.5:04 The instruction is to do something with it.5:08 To take that specific worry, and by prayer, with thanksgiving, hand it over to God.5:15 The promise isn't that your problems will instantly vanish.5:20 The promise is that the peace of God — a peace that makes NO sense to the outside world — will stand guard over your heart and your mind.5:32 It’s a peace that exists right alongside the trouble.5:36 And then, he gives us the practical part.5:40 How to help that peace take root.5:43 He says to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely.5:49 This isn't about ignoring the bad.5:52 It's about intentionally directing your thoughts.5:56 You get to choose what you build your inner world with.6:00 If you fill your mind with grievances and fears, your heart will be troubled.6:07 But if you fill it with what is good and praiseworthy, you invite the God of peace to dwell there with you.6:16 The secret he learned is this: contentment isn’t found in getting what you want.6:23 Contentment is found in depending on Christ’s strength, no matter what you have.6:30 Whether your day brings abundance or need, that strength is available to you.6:36 Peace is not the absence of storms.6:39 It is the presence of God in the middle of them.
