God has told us in His Word how to have peace in our heart and mind no matter the circumstances we are facing. When we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have all we need to keep a peaceful, joyful heart. In writing to the Philippians, Paul gives us the complete teaching on how to have joy and peace.

First, we are to “rejoice always. Again, I say, ‘Rejoice!'” In all circumstances, we are to choose joy over despair. We can only do this as we know the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His teachings. When we know Who God is in us, what He has done for us, and what He is doing through us, we can rejoice always. God the Father has provided the means for us to know Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection are the basis of our joy. He took our punishment for sin upon Himself so that we can be free to live in His love, peace and joy. His love for us never changes. His forgiveness to those who repent of their sin is constantly available. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus we are assured in Romans 8:1. Freedom from the guilt of our sin leads us to rejoice in Him.

Second, we are to be gentle of spirit to all men. We are to respond to each one we meet with a joyful heart and a gentle spirit. It’s not a matter of their deserving our gentle response, but a matter of sharing the response we receive from our Father God. He deals with us gently to bring us to repentance. If we repent, we are freed from the sin and the guilt of our sin. How can we not share the same grace with others which we depend on for ourselves.

Third, we are not to be anxious about anything, but trust God for everything with thanksgiving. Our Father knows our needs before we do. He is aware of our desires and limitations. We must bring everything to Him in prayer and leave Him to work out His plan in our lives without interference from us. He knows just how much pressure we can bear and He gives us grace to help in our time of need. This can be the loss of a loved one; the rejection of others; the persecution we face because others don’t believe in Jesus. We are told to count it all joy when we face all kinds of trials and mistreatment when we are obediently following Him.

“And the peace of Christ, which passes all comprehension, will guard (garrison) your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” v, 8

Finally, we are given a list of things to think about in v.8-9. As we bring our thoughts under the control of Christ, the presence of God will be with us and His peace will be ours. I want to live like this. I want everyone I know and come in contact with to know the peace of God in Christ Jesus. In Isaiah 26:3 Isaiah says, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Praying you know His peace every day.of your life.