How to Find Peace: The Philippians 4 Roadmap

Yesterday, I wrote out this roadmap to peace to publish this morning. This morning, my peace was on the fritz. A long night and massive life changes ahead are a tough combo. I woke up ready to burst into tears. A good cry is good for the soul, but I need my day to turn around quickly. And then when I came to publish this… wow. The words were just what I needed to hear. So once again, I can testify. Philippians 4 really does offer us a roadmap to find peace.  We just have to put it into practice! [Practice makes peace.]

Here’s a deeper dive into [how to find peace and freedom from worry and anxiety]. Philippians 4 makes it super easy:

To have the peace of God, rejoice in everything, pray about everything, and give thanks for everything. 

I love the simple cut and dry instructions. It’s really true. When we flip each worrisome thought into an invitation to prayer, this habit of pruning the weeds of worry [cultivates a sanctified imagination and heart at rest and full of peace.]

Philippians 4

Today, let’s look at the next tip Paul gives us in Philippians 4. It’s about changing what we set our focus on.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9

Of all the things God leaves to [wonder and mystery], I love that He makes the path to peace super clear.

He doesn’t often give us a step-by-step road map for things in the Bible. That’s because it requires us to lean into our [relationship with Him] instead of riding on a formula.

But how kind that He knows an unsettled child needs a roadmap to peace!

The Path to Peace:

1. Rejoice in the Lord always! (Philippians 4:4). That’s the [power of praising God!]
2. Pray instead of worry! (Philippians 4:6) That’s [how we overcome worry!]
3. Ask for your needs with thanksgiving! (Philippians 4:4) [Thanksgiving has life-saving power!]
4. Focus your thoughts on good, pure, beautiful things! [Practice developing a sense of wonder] and [curating a holy imagination.]

Putting it into Practice:

Let’s try our hand at this roadmap to peace together, shall we?

Rejoice in all things!

God of Hope, I rejoice today in your creation! The bluebirds and deer are yours; you provide their every need. And I rejoice in your character! You keep your eye on the sparrow and I know you watch over me too. God, you send the sun and the rain, seed and bread. You send manna to get us through each day. You delight to rescue me. Father, you are merciful and gracious, [slow to anger] and abounding in steadfast love [Psalm 103]. You are my refuge and fortress. You are the God in whom I trust [Psalm 91]. I rejoice that you are a Good Father, that you’re always with me and for me, and that your intentions and plans for me and my family are good. And I rejoice that you are ______.

Ask for what you need!

Father, you know all the unknowns and needs in my life right now. I am asking for provision for ______. My Fortress and Shield, I’m asking protection for ______. Lord, I’m asking for breakthrough for ______. Miracle-Worker, I’m asking for healing for ______. Father, I’m asking for blessing over ______.

And give thanks!

And I thank you for all the ways I see your hand in my life. I thank you for the plans you have for me. Thank you for the family, friends, and church family that you’ve put in my life. I thank you for breath and life and another day. Thank you for food and water and clothes. Thank you that you are good and your love endures forever. I thank you for your peace when it doesn’t make earthly sense. I thank you for being trustworthy and gracious and forgiving. Thank you for ______.

Fix your mind on whatever is good and lovely!

I’m holding on to your promises. I’m looking for the new things that you are doing. Give me eyes to see with an eternal perspective today. Thank you for attentive loved ones. Thank you for the prayers of the people. And thank you for your love. You are good and trustworthy and holy and righteous. Help me fix my mind on you.

And the peace of God will be with you.