Scripture Texts – 1Kings 19.1-16 and Philippians 4.4-9
Subject – Purposefully Pursuing Peace

Reading the headlines in the news is enough to create fits of anxiety. The opposite of anxiety is peace. It’s all in your you look at it. Many of us don’t experience long-lasting peace because we rely on our soul to lead us instead of the Holy Spirit. Reaction vs Response vs Spirit Led. The Spirit will keep us aligned with the Word of God.

I.Take everything (large and small, general and specific) to the LORD v6
A.Everything = everything (large & small)
B.Prayer & supplication = general & specific requests; pray God-centered not problem focused
C.Do your part (do what you can do) & Trust God to do His part (Isa 55.6-12, Matt 6.26-33)

II.Keep an attitude of gratitude v6
A.Thank God while calling those things that be not as though they were
B.Keep a spirit of thankfulness; Rejoice in joy (joy v happiness (e.g., v4))

III.Trust the Peace of God to stand sentry over your peace v7
A.Embrace the irony. Like a soldier ready for battle to protect your peace. Like a guardian angel.
B.Negativity cannot get in unless we open the door.

IV.Think about what you are thinking about and take every thought captive v8
A.Keep the door of negativity shut; filter your thoughts; who’s/what’s knocking?
B.Elijah focused too much on what Jezebel would do instead of who God is & what God did & can do
C.Expect peace and visualize it; focus on the problem or the Problem Solver?

V.Practice what you have learned from the Word of God and the God of Peace will be with you v9
A.God came to Elijah in a whisper (wind, quake, fire). Jesus retreated often to be alone with God. Rest!
B.What are you doing with the messages you hear? Don’t be hearers only
C.Who is your life model? I pray it is Jesus. I had great men & women who pointed me to Jesus

Conclusion: Lasting peace requires us to purposefully pursue peace. The closer we get to God the less these minor infractions will bother us and the better we will be able to deal with the major challenges we face. Amen.