“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)
We are faced daily with problems both internal and external. How do I get rid of this addiction? How can I help my grieving friend? What do I do with my money? Why does my body keep getting sick, old, injured? There is no peace.
The temptation is to think that there are solutions to all these problems, offered by modern ingenuity and technological advancement. Medicine, therapy, digital tools, financial systems—all promise relief, control, or progress.
Yet, the French have a poignant saying: “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (The more things change, the more they stay the same). Nothing seems to work permanently. Nothing seems to last. Problems repeat in cycles, like patterns woven through our lives with only slight variations.
So we return to the question: Where is the peace we long for?
Paul describes God as the “God of peace.” What if the solution to our lack of peace isn’t found in another app, philosophy, or program, but in something ancient and enduring—in the very Scriptures that have withstood the test of time? Paul gives both an exhortation and a promise in this verse: practice the ways he taught, and God will be with you, bringing His peace.
Do you want peace? Let’s explore what these practices are and why obedience to them leads us into the peace of God.
The Ways
The idea of following a teacher closely—mirroring their life and internalizing their values—was a common practice in Paul’s time. This approach, known as discipleship, involved learning not just information, but a way of life. Jewish disciples followed their rabbis, imitating their actions, adopting their interpretations of the Scriptures, and aligning their hearts to their teachings.
Paul is saying: “You’ve seen how I live. You’ve heard what I preach. You’ve received my teaching. Put it into practice.” In doing so, they wouldn’t just become “religious” or morally upright—they would experience the very presence of the God of peace.
To dive into everything Paul taught would require more space than we have here (and thankfully, we do have it—in Scripture). His letters are rich with insight on living a life pleasing to God: filled with truth, grace, endurance, generosity, and love. His teaching is not a self-made philosophy; it is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.“
But what stands out most about Paul’s “ways” is this: a total dependence on God. Just a few verses earlier, in Philippians 4:6–7, Paul writes:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
Peace comes from entrusting everything to God in prayer. Not partial control. Not occasional surrender. Everything. That’s how Paul lived.
Paul’s Experience
Throughout the letter to the Philippians and in many of his other writings, Paul speaks openly about suffering. He knew hardship intimately—beatings, imprisonment, betrayal, hunger, sleepless nights, slander (see 2 Corinthians 11:16–33). Yet his life was marked not by anxiety, but by joy. Not by bitterness, but by love. How?
Because Paul truly believed that God was with him. He lived in full reliance on the God of peace. He had experienced what it meant for that peace to guard his heart and mind. That peace did not mean a lack of pain, but a constant presence of God in the middle of the pain.
Paul’s confidence wasn’t based on his own strength or abilities. Like Abraham, who was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:21), Paul placed his faith in God’s promises—especially the promise of life through Jesus Christ. That’s why he could suffer with hope and joy, knowing that God’s peace was not circumstantial, but relational. It was anchored in who God is, not what life looks like.
The Promise
This verse contains one of the most precious promises in Scripture: “And the God of peace will be with you.” Not just a feeling of peace, but God Himself. Not just a momentary calm, but the abiding presence of the Creator.
This is not a reward for perfection. It is the natural outcome of walking with God—of aligning our lives with His ways, depending on Him through prayer, thanksgiving, obedience, and trust.
Jesus made a similar promise to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 – NIV). God’s peace is different. It doesn’t fade when circumstances change. It guards us. It sustains us.
Paul had learned this firsthand. And he invited the Philippians—and us—to step into that same reality. The way is simple, but not easy: trust God, follow Jesus, and put into practice what He has taught through His Word.
Reflections
Reflect honestly on these questions. Take your time. Journal if you need to. Pray as you ponder.
- What are you placing your faith in for peace? Your bank account? A relationship? Your health? Entertainment?
- Does it let you down? What happens when those things shift or fall apart?
- Have you found peace in God? If yes, how did that happen? Can you share that story with someone else?
- How can you structure your life (thoughts, actions, words) around the knowledge that God gives peace? What would change if you believed this deeply?
- Are there models of faithfulness in your life? Mentors, friends, elders? If not, pray for God to provide someone who walks closely with Him. And perhaps ask yourself: Could I become such a model to someone else?
We often seek peace as a feeling—quiet, calm, absence of stress. But Scripture shows us peace as a person—God Himself. He is not distant. He is near. And He guards our hearts and minds as we walk in His ways.
So, the next time you find yourself without peace, ask: Am I practicing the ways of God? Am I trusting in His Word? And as you return to Him, rest in the promise: the God of peace will be with you.
To read more, see our post titled “Peace through God’s Promises“.
