An Antidote to Anxiety
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Paul offers here a timeless and universal remedy for anxiety as he counsels his readers not to be overly anxious about human problems. Instead of giving way to such corroding care, the Philippians are exhorted to commit everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving for past mercies and present blessings (v. 6). The antidote to anxiety and prelude to the enjoyment of peace are to be found in the joint exercise of prayer and thanksgiving. In prayer, anxiety is resolved by trust in God. That which causes the anxiety is brought to the One who is totally competent and in whose hands the matter may be left. In thanksgiving, anxiety is resolved by the acceptance of the worrying circumstance as something which an all-wise, all-loving, and all-sovereign God has appointed (Romans 8:28).
Despite all the excitement and danger of his busy ministry, Paul had a deep-settled peace: peace with God and the peace of God, both of which passed all human understanding. Therefore he could write from experience to the Philippians to encourage them as they fought the good fight of faith.
Through the ages, many saints of God have enjoyed this blessing, even in times of persecution and deep sorrow. The peace of God is ‘perfect’ (Isa. 26:3), and it is therefore suited for every circumstance and adequate for all the burdens we may be called upon to bear. The city of Philippi was guarded by a Roman garrison; so Paul’s statement that God’s peace would keep – literally, ‘guard’ – their hearts would appeal to his readers. The peace of God is the garrison of the soul in all the experiences of life. To all His believing people, God has pledged His guardian peace and His own presence as the God of peace.
Quote: “Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.” – Alexander MacLaren
Daily devotions are from the book “Eagle’s Wings” published by the Free Presbyterian Church. © Free Presbyterian Church 1991- All Rights Reserved.
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, August 15, 2021
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship – Rev. Ian Goligher
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship – Rev. Ian Goligher
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, August 18th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer – Mr. James Fraser
Advanced Announcements
Sunday, August 22nd
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship – Pastor Saunders
5:50 p.m. Pre-Service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship – Pastor Saunders
Wednesday, August 25th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
FPCNA Missionary Prayer Bulletin – August 2021
Behind the Wall
Behind the Wall is a ministry of the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church. We aim to assist parents by reinforcing the Gospel message being taught at home to their children. Each episode contains a Bible story, scripture memorization, and a children’s song. Please pray for this ministry, that God will use it for His glory.
A ten-week mini-series on the 10 Commandments will be available each week during the summer. A new lesson will be uploaded at 2:00 p.m. each Sunday. You can view new and archived episodes by clicking here.
The Shorter Catechism
A: The sixth commandment is, “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13).
The Children's Catechism - History
Q22: How did Noah learn that the flood was going away?
A: By sending out a dove, which returned with an olive leaf plucked off.
