Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV)
Pathway to Peace
So, yesterday I finally went to the doctor. The pain from what I thought was a cracked rib was radiating around from the left to the right side of my body. Turns out I have something called costochondritis. (Crazy long word that means inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs)
It is characterized by intense, deep chest pain, made worse by coughing, sneezing, hiccups, exercise, and deep breaths (like when someone is singing – yep, I lead worship this weekend with a head cold, coughing and sneezing)
Chronic Costochondritis
The doctor said it could last a few weeks (which it already has) or for months. He said even after it seems to have resolved, deep laughs or coughs can bring it back suddenly and with a vengeance.
I’m gonna be honest with you: This news could easily rip away my peace of mind with fear that the pain I’ve been experiencing will continue without an end in sight.
But God.
But God has already planned for my peace. And He knew this was coming. Jesus has already paid the ultimate sacrifice to purchase my peace. He is even named the Prince of Peace.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
How to Get on the Pathway to Peace
To find my way along the pathway to peace, all I have to do is consult Philippians 4:4-9.
Step #1: Rejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
When it seems unreasonable. When it is completely unlikely. When there is no earthly reason to choose joy. I can rejoice anyway because there is a heavenly reason to rejoice. My heavenly Father is with me, holding me close and not letting go.
Step #2: Pray about everything.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:5-6 (ESV)
I have to choose to release worry and take my cares to the One who can handle them. When I lay my concerns at the feet of my Savior, He carries them for me so they won’t crush me. He is my healer and the source of all my provision.
Trusting the Designer
I am thankful that I serve the Designer of my body. He spoke all of creation into existence and holds my healing. He is transforming me and building my faith during my pain, but I am praying for healing and know it is coming.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)
Step #3: Think about the right things.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
I’m not going to focus on pain or sickness. I’m not going to throw a pity party. I’m going to focus on the truth: God is my healer.
I’m going to meditate on what is honorable: God is a God of integrity, who does not shift or change. I’m going to think about justice, purity, loveliness, and excellence. Capturing our thoughts is the basis of self-control, one of the fruits of the Spirit.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (ESV)
With this practice comes the tangible presence of the God of peace. In the midst of bad circumstances, the peace of God can flood our hearts.
Step #4: Trust God in all things!
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
When we trust in God…When we focus our minds on Him instead of our problems…God will keep us in perfect peace.
I don’t know about you, but I think that sounds pretty good. I’ll take that option.
My God is Bigger
Costochondritis. Schmostochondritis. My God is bigger than that diagnosis. My God is bigger than that pain.
I’ll choose to trust Him today and I hope you do too. Who will join me in placing my hope and trust in the only One who truly deserves it?
Action Step:
Find five good things about God to focus on – one for each finger on your hand. Here are my five: Healer, Comforter, Peace, Creator, and Joy. Whenever our brains try to default to worry, we are going to remind ourselves of those five focus points.
Prayer:
God, You are so much bigger than the circumstance I am facing. I trust You. I believe You are my healer. I believe You are my provision. Thank You for being my peace in good times and bad. I choose You today and always. In Jesus’ name, amen.
*I did the bible art journaling for this when my pastor (Pastor Hal Santos) preached a sermon on it a while back, but after my diagnosis yesterday, God used it to help me regain His peace of mind.