Joy ... gentle ... kind ... prayerful ... giving thanks ... then peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ. Philippians 4:4-7
A leader of people (Apostle Paul) after telling a group of men and women that he was leading that he loved them, he told them to be full of joy. Joy is a choice, we must seek it. Never doubt that it is always there. He advises them to be gentle and kind, that is a requirement for attaining peace. Next he says to not worry about ANYTHING. He doesn't put a condition on the don't worry statement. He doesn't say don't worry about anything but ... the kids, finances, your job etc. He says don't worry, but pray. Replace worry with prayer!!! That is a powerful and peaceful discipline and habit to acquire. ALWAYS giving thanks, an appreciative person is never depressed, discouraged or defeated. And then ... after the joy, gentleness, kindness, not worrying, praying and gratefulness you will achieve the peace "that passeth all understanding".
Then Paul, a great leader, realized that these people that he was leading and loved needed to know what they should be filling their minds with. He says concentrate and think about things that are good and worthy of praise, things that are honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. What a great test for what we are concentrating on and thinking about!
Read Philippians 4:4-9 today and enjoy the road to peace!!!
