Dear Friends,
St. Paul writing to Philippians about thankfulness, joy, grace, and peace when he himself was in a prison dungeon is amazing. What he wrote has encouraged generations. We too can draw much needed comfort in our own difficult times. Covid has put us all on edge. Wars, earthquakes and natural disasters have added anxieties to our fears. Paul urges us to seek the peace of God (4:6,7) and also ensure we have the God of peace (4:8,9) with us.
Praying and petitioning with complaining and grumbling is quite different from praying with thanksgiving. Sometimes our prayers are peppered with grumblings like “why me O Lord?” or “How long O Lord?” or “God, I do not deserve this(implying, God you are unfair)”. Then, prayers will not be reciprocated in peace. Read 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. If you will place your petitions and make your requests to God with thanksgiving for who He is merciful, loving and gracious (even in your current crises) and what He does gives salvation to us, protects us and brings us through hardships then we will receive the peace of God.
Most importantly, when you occupy your mind with truth, beauty and purity, and obey the teachings of Christ, then the God of peace will be with you (Read 4:8,9). Obedience in thoughts and actions are an invitation to God to inhabit us. The God of this universe will come and abide with us. He is the Prince of Peace. He gives peace like no other. It will last and sufficient even for these peaceless times.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Samson Gandhi
