Philippians 4:4-8; Looking before the THEN

Philippians 4:4-8 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 4 Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. 5 Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. 8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.

I found a wonderful posting from Biblical Foundations For Freedom which I wish to share because it so touched my heart. I don't think there can be too many ways possible for believers to stumble onto these words. The posting included a picture of steps leading to the promise of God's peace and encouragement to read Philippians 4:1-7 which leads to the promise.

Looking before the THEN So many of the promises of God start with words like THEN or THEREFORE. This implies that there are some steps before the promise. It is always a good practice, when studying the Word, to look a few verses or sometimes a few chapters ahead to make sure we are studying in context. This is especially true when our study includes words like THEN! Today's study includes an awesome promise....A promise of peace beyond understanding! We must not neglect to study what comes before this THEN!

Step 1: Living in Harmony 2 Euodia and Syntyche, you belong to the Lord, so I beg you to stop arguing with each other. Step 2: Helping Co-workers 3 And, my true partner, I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with me and with Clement and with the others in spreading the good news. Their names are now written in the book of life. Step 3: Rejoicing in The Lord Always 4 Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. Step 4: Living Graciously 5 Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. Step 5: Praying Out Our Anxieties 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. THEN 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!