Undeniable Peace in Times of Trouble (How Do We Live in an Anxious Age)

Elder Dorai Manikam

31-05-2020

Philippians 4:1-8 New International Version (NIV)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Proverbs 12:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,

    but a kind word cheers it up.

Jeremiah 49:23 New International Version (NIV)

A Message About Damascus

23 Concerning Damascus:

“Hamath and Arpad are dismayed,

    for they have heard bad news.

They are disheartened,

    troubled like[a] the restless sea.

James 5:13 New International Version (NIV)

The Prayer of Faith

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

Philippians 4:5 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

5 Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near!

Philippians 4:1

King James Version

4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

1 Peter 5:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

"We all want God’s voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problem.  But God’s is the still, small voice…the gentle whisper.  Perhaps there’s a reason.  Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper.  God’s whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His.  And then, as I listen, I will find my answer.  Better still, I find myself closer to God."

Prayer includes worshiping and coming into the presence of God and we begin to see the bigness of God in contrast to the things that we are facing as challenges. 

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Undeniable Peace in Troubled Times (How do we Live in an Anxious Age)