Peace Through Praise

“O, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously and govern the nations on earth. Selah Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” [1]

Being glad in the Lord and singing for joy is a healthier mindset than grumbling and despairing.

The Apostle Paul drank deep from the fountain of life, that is Christ, so that even from a prison cell, he cheered others up, writing, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” [2]

The Lord says, “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.” [3]

Last night, after the news broke that the USA had struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, the CBN (Christian Broadcast Network) newscasters took turns praying for our nation and for the people of Iran. Focusing on the Lord, praying for others, and trusting in the Lord are excellent ingedients for stability of heart and mind during times of turmoil.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned, received, and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” [4]

Meditate on what? Things that are true! Noble! Just! Pure! Lovely! Good reports! Virtue! Praiseworthy! Let the other stuff pass by you by. Keep them from nesting in your mind.

“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” [5]

Yes, there is evil in the world, but what reasons do we have to be content. Do we have food, clothing, transportation, a roof over our head at night? A functioning body? Friends? God? Eternal life?

One day, there will be no more wars. “He [the Lord] shall judge between the nations and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” “Death will be swallowed up in victory” meaning there will be no more death. We who believe in Jesus “shall not perish but have everlasting life.” [6]

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [7] The Lord helps us navigate our way through this current life as we look to Him for guidance and strength.

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” [8] He supplies what we need.

“Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” [9] He deserves our worship!

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [10]

[1] Psalm 67:4-7
[2] Philippians 4:4
[3] Philippians 4:6-7
[4] Philippians 4:8-9
[5] Philippians 4:11
[6] Isaiah 2:4; 1 Corinthians 15:54; John 3:16
[7] Philippians 4:13
[8] Philippians 4:19
[9] Philippians 4:20
[10] Philippians 4:23