Defeating the Enemy of Your God-given Peace: Some Good News from Phil. 4:5-7
We are living in anxious times. We have more reason for anxiety and worry today than ever. Our world seems to be ready to explode. Our country is divided, the world is full of uncertainty and war. Our budgets are broken, debt is out of control, and anxiety is prevailing in many hearts. When Paul the apostle wrote his letter to the Philippian church he was chained and under house arrest in Rome. For two years he knew no freedom, had few friends, and appeared to have an even more fragile and uncertain future. However, as he penned this letter Paul appeared to be oblivious to any challenge to his own personal peace. Remarkably, he reminds the church in verse 5 to continue in an attitude of rejoicing and then reminds the church that Jesus is at hand or near. These are two essential elements for establishing a context in which to live our lives. It is virtually impossible to suffer anxiety when living in light of these two a...