God's Peace for Our Anxieties
God's peace is available to us when we learn to trust in Him and not be anxious about our circumstances.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of obeying the command in Philippians 4:6 to not be anxious, but instead, bring all concerns to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. By following this command, one can experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, guarding their hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. Tileston encourages surrendering all anxieties, including sorrow, to the Lord in prayer, while praising God for His faithfulness even in times of uncertainty. She urges believers to trust in God's plans, seeking His will and finding peace by placing full confidence in Him.
Text
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6,7 (RV)
JUST think of having His wonderful peace guarding one's heart and one's thoughts all day long. But it is only on condition that we fulfil the sixth verse, "In nothing be anxious,"--this is a distinct command, and, if we fail to fulfil it, we shall not get the blessing. Sorrow even is anxiety, and should be laid upon our blessed Lord. Then in prayer and supplication we must not forget that thanksgiving is also distinctly commanded; we must praise God for His dealings with us, even though we cannot make them out at times. Pray God to make you cease from anxiety about yourself and your plans; just be willing to do the work our dear Father gives you at the time.
JOHN KENNETH MACKENZIE
Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.
THOMAS À KEMPIS
Sermon Outline
- Understanding God's Peace
- The Importance of Prayer and Supplication
- The Role of Thanksgiving
- Praising God for His Dealings
- Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Key Quotes
“In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We should stop worrying about things that are not under our control and instead place our trust in God.
- We should be willing to do the work our Father gives us at the time, and trust in His plan for our lives.
- We should cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving in our lives by praising God for His dealings with us, even in difficult times.