Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

As we look at our world of the twenty-first century, are we not amazed at the conditions which it reflects globally? Individual countries are fighting each other. Countries are fighting against their own people, and by force, not only controlling the people physically, but also trying to dominate their minds and spiritual beliefs. In addition, more Christians were killed for their faith in the twentieth century than have been martyred in the previous total history of Christianity.

This is not a new situation. These were some of the conditions which the disciples and followers of Jesus faced every day, together with many other desperate controlling factors, which were forced upon them by the governing masters.

When Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians (which many Bible students consider to be a personal letter of joy), he was a prisoner for his faith in Christ. Regardless, these conditions did not hinder him from writing this encouraging letter to Christians new to the faith. He writes, "Be anxious for nothing", and then goes on to give his readers instructions on how to obtain this almost impossible mental approach by including the attitude of thanksgiving. What a tremendous change in the approach, but yes, in every situation, if we seek carefully, there is always room for a measure, if only small, of thanksgiving.

All these attitudes are not to be accomplished by the Christian alone but with that indescribable help of the living Christ. Then Paul gives a final promise that God's peace will guard our hearts and thoughts through Christ Jesus — the complete coverage for the personality of the Christian.

I love the first verse of the hymn written by John Oxenham (1852-1941)

'Mid all the traffic of the ways,
Turmoils without, within,
Make in my heart a quiet place,
And come and dwell therein.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many men and women who have accepted in their generation the words of Paul and lived the Christian life in difficult times. Please guard our hearts with Your peace, and enable us to be firm examples in our generation. We make this plea, Father, through the name of Your Son and our Saviour, Christ Jesus. Amen.

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