Our memory verse is often quoted and many times the verse we go to when we need an influx of 
strength to overcome something difficult. But think with me for just a moment… when does He give us 
the strength to do everything? What if this verse merely describes an outcome? Let me quickly share 
three thoughts Paul conveys from Philippians, Chapter 4. 

First, in verses six and seven, Paul recognizes we face difficult things in life… from great challenges to 
small annoyances… but, regardless the size, they all contain the seeds of worry. In the face of these 
difficulties, Paul issues a command … DO NOT WORRY; PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING! With this command, 
the Lord is beginning to give us strength to do everything! And the very first layer of His strength is 
God’s peace. As the Scripture says, “God’s peace will guard our heart and mind IN CHRIST JESUS!” 

The second of Paul’s three thoughts has to do with OUR THOUGHTS. Every second of every moment of 
everyday there are hundreds of thoughts streaming through our mind; but, without worry and with 
God’s peace on guard, WE CAN TAKE CONTROL OF OUR THOUGHT LIFE! Free from worry, we choose to 
fill our thoughts with God’s Word… those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable! 
What we think on is what we put into practice! We are strengthened when we practice God’s Word and 
believe God is always with us regardless the difficulty! 

Paul’s final thought has to do with our attitude in the midst of our circumstances. Free from worry 
knowing the peace of God is guarding our heart and mind, focused-on and practicing God’s Word, and 
having the confidence that comes from knowing God is always with us we learn to be content regardless 
of our outward circumstances. Good or bad, circumstances cannot control us. It is in this place of 
learned contentment that God gives us strength to do everything!