5 Strategies for a Peace-filled Life
As I sat down for my quiet time this morning, the Lord whispered these words into my heart...."Beloved Daughter, my secret strategies for living a life of peace are right here in my word...." And as I began to read the 4th chapter in Philippians, 5 key strategies illuminated in my mind. Dear sister in Christ, I want to share them with you!
Strategy #1: Work together in the Lord
Philippians 4:2, "I’m asking them to work together in the Lord. That’s because they both belong to the Lord."
Paul urged the Philippians to live in unity and harmony with each other and work together towards one goal in Christ. This too is how we should view our life, our work, our relationships, our end goal. Our perspective should not be towards ourself, but towards one goal of loving God and loving each other. This truly is a recipe for peace.
Strategy #2: Praise & Pray Pattern
Philippians 4: 4-6, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Praise...Friend, there is always something to praise God for...don't get caught in the negative self-critical or other-critical focused pattern of the world. Be God-focused and always stay mindful that He is above all and good. This will turn any worry or fear into gladness and rejoicing as you hope in Him!
And Pray....Yes, your Heavenly Father loves to hear His beloved daughter talk to Him. Use your right and privilege to talk to your Daddy about anything and everything! He promises to listen and act in a way that's always perfect and on time.
When acted upon, these two simple words, praise & pray, truly have the power to bring unexplainable powerful peace....because they are focused on the One true Peacemaker!
Strategy #3: Heavenward Thoughts & Actions
Philippians 4:8-9, "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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice."
Plain and simply, think on, speak out, and act upon the positive...the above...only the good. Turn off all negative noises whether you listen to them or look at them as you simply cannot afford to let them in your mind. The negative's goal is to steal, kill and destroy and although most of it seems pretty harmless, it will end up doing damage. Fight for your peace by living by God's above strategy!
Strategy #4: Be Content
Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
I know this is much easier said than done, but remember when you are fighting to stay content that no matter what circumstance arises, you are not doing life alone but with the strength of Christ in and through you! Oh and that strength is the same strength and power that raised Jesus from the dead, so let's be honest, there's none better! Be content and you will be at peace.
Strategy #5: Remember this--God will meet your needs
Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
God has given us a true power nugget to remember in this verse above. This promise above when grasped and unleashed in your mind and heart has the power to TKO (total knock out) all enemy weapons! God has unlimited riches and resources in heaven, and He promises to give them to you as needed and in time, always! The key to peace is believing this, and remembering it often.
Beloved Daughter, I am right along-side you in this journey with the Lord. It is a day in and day out choice to believe God's Word and live by it. We must stand firm against the strategies of the enemy and desires of the flesh by arming ourselves with God's strategies from heaven! Let's grab a hold of these 5 Heavenly Strategies for Peace and walk out together the abundant life Jesus died and rose again to give us!
xoxo,
Ashley
