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In my first “Fearvirus”, which you can find here if you haven’t read it yet, I quoted Philippians 4:4-9. It’s a scripture that has taught me a lot, especially in difficult seasons. I want to look at it again, but this time in the Amplified translation, which is one of my favourites.
If you’ve never read in the Amplified, it takes a bit longer to read, but shines a brand new light by offering more in-depth explanations. (I have linked my favourite one a]coming soon]. 6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. – Philippians 4:4-9 (AMPC)
I like this version because it first of establishes that peace beyond what’s normal is possible. Then it leaves absolutely no question about what’s required of you and I in order to walk in that peace. Let’s look back at verse 6 quickly.
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
We receive a quick instruction here, followed by the incredible promise of peace in verse 7.
God’s peace can actually build a fortress around our souls (mind, will, and emotions) that no fear, anxiety, depression, panic, or anything else can penetrate. BUT, only if we don’t skip verse 6. God is not the type to march up to a stranger and build a fortress around them. He is not assuming nor does he force himself upon anyone.
First of all, we have to establish that we want a relationship with our Heavenly Father by inviting his son to be our Lord and Savior and repenting of our sins. Then we have to walk in obedience with his word. In this scripture we are instructed, “Do not fret or have anxiety about anything”.
What is “anything” referring to? Everything! There is NOTHING that is allowed to make us fearful without our permission. Next, understand that God is saying, “Do not”, which means that there is actually a way for you “to not”. Did you catch that?
God will never ask you to do something without equipping and empower you to do it. He says in 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
So, if God has given you a spirit of “power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control”, then you have what you need to obey Philippians 4:6. You are fully capable of choosing not to fret or have anxiety about anything (worldwide spread of virus included). Once you’ve made the choice not to fear, verse 7 belongs to you.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Stop and meditate on that one for a minute. What does it look like to be a soul assured of its salvation through Christ? fearing nothing? being content? What is like to have a peace that transcends all understanding literally standing guard at the door of your mind, and the gates of your heart?
I can seriously feel peace running from the top of my head to the soles of me feet as I picture it. Like anointing oil running all over.
Verse 8 and 9 are like a cherry on top of an already sky-high ice cream sundae. The kind that’s all chocolate, no bland vanilla, or plastic-flavored pink stuff.
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Who doesn’t want to think happy thoughts? As I read “true”, “worthy of reverence”, “lovely”, “kind”, “worthy of praise”, my natural response is “of course I want to think those things”. Yet, we are urged to “fix your minds on them”, which means, they don’t happen on their own. Good thoughts, healing thoughts, the thoughts that bring us into God’s peace and his presence are by intention only.
This is my last Fearvirus post, and I really want to encourage each and every one of you. “the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.” as long as you fix your mind on Him. Read God’s word, it’s where you will find his thoughts, his heart, his desires for you. Fix your mind on those things and you will remain in his presence, protected by his peace.
Also, if self-quarantine and social-distancing have you questioning your sanity, check out my most recent post The Top 5 Books You Need to Read (like right now). Thank the Lord, Amazon is still up and running and all of these can be delivered right to your front door to help you pass the hours.
Be blessed friends. xoxo
P.S. If some or a lot of what you’ve read is new to you, or you’re not sure what to make of it, head over to my Books & Resources for some of the teaching resources that have taught me on my journey to live by faith.
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