The Apostle Paul wrote about that kind of peace even as he sat in a dark, damp dungeon. Consider how we can experience God’s peace and truly be safe. (Philippians 4)

First – REJOICE in the Lord. “Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say again – Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 NLT). The natural response to trouble is to worry and fear. But believers in Christ can rejoice. Why? God is in control. Jesus is Lord. We have His promises to sustain us. “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). We must make a choice – to panic or to praise the Lord God.

Paul and Silas were threatened, beaten, and thrown in prison. At midnight they prayed and sang praises to God. God sent an earthquake, their chains fell off, and the prison doors swung open. The jailer and his family became believers in Christ. (Acts 16) Through praising and thanking God you can experience this scripture – “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4). When you obey Philippians 4:4 you realize I John 4:4.

Second – REMAIN RESPECTFUL and considerate. No matter what people do or say, to be under God’s protection, we must live in harmony and love. Paul pleaded with two leading women of the church to settle their disagreement and live in harmony and peace. (Philippians 4:2-3) God is love. God’s power and presence is where people walk and work in His love. “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do” (Philippians 4:5 NLT).

When former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani spoke at a memorial service after 9/11, he said that the one thing that really struck a chord in his heart was noticing that when rescue workers risked their lives to help the victims no one cared whether those in need were black, white, Hispanic, or any other race. It didn’t matter what gender, nationality, educational background, or economic status they were. All that mattered was that they were human beings created by God. When we remain in God’s love, we remain in His peace, power, and shelter.

Third – REMEMBER the Lord’s return. We live in a topsy-turvy, fallen world. The devil and depraved people wreak havoc in the world. But “REMEMBER – the Lord is coming soon” (Philippians 4:5). That’s His promise. (John 14) People say, “Remember the Alamo”; “Remember Pearl Harbor”; “Remember 9/11”. The most important thing to remember is that the Lord Jesus is coming soon! He is our hope. Christ will set everything right. He will rule in peace, justice, and righteousness. He will judge sinful man. Are you prepared to stand before Him? Let the hope of His soon return fill you with peace.

Fourth – REQUEST God’s help. We can choose to carry our worries and cares or cast them on the Lord. (I Peter 5:8) Paul tells us, “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for what he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). (I Thessalonians 5:17-18) Paul gives us this assurance, “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NLT). Talk about being safe in an unsafe world!

The God that delivered Daniel from the lions and the three Hebrew young men from the fiery furnace is the same God who will be with you in the storms and trials that may come your way. (Daniel 4) What was different about these men? They were men of prayer – they trusted in God – they had God’s peace and presence.

Fifth – RIGHT thinking will keep you in God’s shelter. What constantly goes into your mind will affect your peace, power, and your eternal destiny. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT). What are you thinking on? The greatest source of truth is the Word of God.

Sixth – REPEAT what you have learned. Real learning takes place when you put into practice what you have heard and seen. (Philippians 4:12-14) Paul says that if we put into practice the Word of God, “His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Are you living in Christ Jesus? “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).