This is the third installment of a blog series entitled “Paul and the Pastor’s Heart.” Last week, we looked at Paul’s desire that believers Rejoice in the Lord. Today, Paul doubles down on that message.

Philippians4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness[b] be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul continues to emphasize joy. What does ceaseless joy even look like? By living with a heart of thanksgiving, we recognize that our joy comes from Him, regardless of our circumstances. 

These verses are rich with truth, and we often quote them. Here are three key lessons we can learn from them: positivity, prayer, and peace.

First, by maintaining a positive outlook, we reflect the love God has for His creation and His people. This isn’t simply denying that anything bad is happening or ignoring sin’s effect on the world. This is the confidence that God is sovereign. God is still in control, no matter how things seem on the surface. His ultimate plan for redeeming creation is still in motion, and He prevails.

Second, we are called to pray. Through prayer and petition, we are encouraged to make our requests known to God. He desires to hear our prayers and wants us to express the deepest desires of our hearts. We should also pray with thanksgiving, for God answers our prayers. Prayer is the commingling of our heart with the heart of a sovereign God.

If we commit to these two practices—remaining positive and praying—God will grant us a peace that surpasses all understanding. While it can be difficult to describe, those who have experienced it know its profound impact.

V 8-9 “Finally[c] brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

If something is true, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, then it deserves your time and attention. If it lacks these qualities, keep moving until you find something worthy of your focus.

Where our minds lead, our hearts follow. Where our hearts lead, our actions follow. Don’t let your hands, heart, and mind get caught up in things that aren’t deserving of a Christian’s time.

Keep your mind on Jesus, because Jesus is always a better thought. 

Jesus is the one who tells the sun to rise. Jesus is the one who paints a new sunset for you every day. Jesus is the one who wakes you from your nightly slumber. Jesus is the one who holds the orphan and comforts the widow. Jesus is the one who sympathizes with our weaknesses but overcame sin and conquered death. Jesus is the one who holds the keys to Heaven and Hell. Jesus is the one who sings a sweet song over you and loves you as His own. Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Jesus is the one who saves sinners and redeems hopeless causes. 

He is worthy of my trust, my surrender, my love and devotion, my thoughts, my time, my sacrifice, my service, my possessions, my worship, my praise, my bended knee, my raised hands, and my lifted voice. He is worthy of my rejoicing. He is worthy! 

What are some potential distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy? Let go of those things that weigh you down and lay hold of Christ. 

Praise Him for the gift of salvation and the eternal relationship we can have with Christ. Pray for a deeper desire to know Christ intimately and pursue Him with passion in every aspect of your life. Praise God for His peace, and ask Him to help you cultivate a thankful heart, even amid challenges.