Sermon Recap: “Practicing a Rhythm of Peace” (Philippians 4:1-9)

This sermon was preached by Henry Michael Williams.

Anxiety is something we all experience at some level. Some of us have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, while others deal with situational stress. But no matter where we are, we are all on a journey to become more like Christ—even in the midst of anxiety.

Philippians 4:1-9 is one of the most well-known passages in Scripture on anxiety and peace. Paul reminds us that peace isn’t just something to know about—it’s something we must practice in our daily lives.

To practice a rhythm of peace, we need to…

1. Work for peace in relationships (Philippians 4:1-3)

Paul calls out two women in the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to reconcile. It’s a shocking moment—Paul doesn’t usually name names unless there’s serious division. Their conflict was affecting the mission of the church, just as relational tension can disrupt our own lives and communities.

When faced with relational conflict, we often respond in one of two ways:

• Avoid – Pretend it doesn’t exist, suppress our feelings, or distance ourselves.

• Fix – Try to control the situation, force reconciliation, or react in frustration.

Paul isn’t concerned with who was right or wrong—he’s concerned with peace. He reminds us that, in Christ, our names are written in the Book of Life. Our relationships in Christ are eternal.

Take a step toward peace this week:

• Recognize the need for reconciliation.

• Own your part in the conflict and take responsibility.

• Reach out—maybe a text, a phone call, or a simple step toward healing.

2. Pray about everything (Philippians 4:4-7)

Paul doesn’t say, “Stop it!” Instead, he teaches how to deal with anxiety:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

When we try to control everything, anxiety intensifies. But when we bring everything to God in prayer, He works in ways beyond our understanding.

Jesus modeled this in Gethsemane. Facing betrayal and the cross, He prayed, “Father, take this cup from me,” but He surrendered with, “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Praying about everything isn’t about eliminating anxiety immediately—it’s about shifting the focus from our circumstances to God’s presence.

Simple practice:

• When worry rises, let it become a trigger for prayer.

• Instead of spiraling in anxious thoughts, turn them into conversations with God.

• Trust that His peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ.

3. Participate in something larger than yourself (Philippians 4:8-9)

Paul urges us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). He’s not just talking about positive thinking—he’s pointing to God’s creative action in our lives.

When we focus solely on fixing problems or controlling outcomes, we miss the bigger picture. But when we participate in God’s mission, we experience peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances.

How can you participate?

• Engage in community. Anxiety thrives in isolation. Join a small group, share your struggles, and walk together.

• Model peace for others. Show vulnerability. Let others see that no one has it all together, but in Christ, we have hope.

• Be part of the mission. Whether you’re going to the new campus or staying to send, step into God’s calling with faith, not fear.

We all desire peace, but often, we want God’s peace on our terms. Paul reminds us that peace isn’t found in controlling our circumstances—it’s found in trusting the presence of God.

When we work for peace in relationships, pray about everything, and participate in something bigger than ourselves, we begin to live in the peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

What’s one step you can take this week to practice peace?

Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash

Dignity and Hope at the "Border" Next Door

Over the years, many Five Oakers have worked with immigrant families, helping them settle into the Twin Cities. For several years, a group of Five Oakers furnished the homes of well over 100 Karen refugee families resettling in the Twin Cities by collecting donated furniture, storing it, and delivering the furniture and other necessities. They also ministered to those families, and several of them stayed in contact with each other for about 20 years. Other Five Oakers have tutored immigrants or partnered with Arrive Ministries to help families settle and thrive, one family at a time.

Close friends of mine (and Lois) from out of state were recently featured in the Border Perspectives ministry blog. I want to share a part of that post with you for your encouragement.

“The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near”

At the 2024 Border Summit, our team met a couple from the Midwest who wish to remain anonymous to protect the relationships they’re cultivating. Since their time with us in the Rio Grande Valley, they’ve kept in touch by sharing stories of God’s timing and how He is transforming their lives.

“In April of 2024, my wife and I were hearing unkind things being said about immigrants from some of our Christian friends. I became angry. My anger turned into resolve, and my resolve turned into action. We knew that we needed to learn for ourselves, and decided to head to the border. Both of us are over 70 years old, and this experience we had at the US & Mexico border changed our lives. 

“We had the opportunity to share about our trip with our Sunday School class. As we shared, a member of the class told us that the elementary school where she works is almost 90% Latino, and she invited us to come and start “getting to know our neighbors” at her school. We jumped at the opportunity!

“When we got home, I had big plans to return to the border and change the world. The Lord had other plans. Turns out the “border” was only 20 minutes away from us. 

“Although we are partnering with the school in several ways, our main contact is through the assistant principal and the PTO moms. There are around 20 moms, most of whom don’t speak English. The PTO moms volunteer every day at the school and help the teachers in whatever way is needed. 

“One day, a couple from our church donated $1,000 to the school. The assistant principal shared with me that he would like to treat the women to go out to eat, celebrating the holidays and all they do for the school. God knew what the $1,000 was for before we did. So, we found a restaurant. All of the moms showed up, many with their children, along with the assistant principal, the couple from our church, and my wife and I. 

“At the celebration, we ate a wonderful meal and handed out Christmas cards with a prayer of blessing. Our waitress was from Mexico. She was observant throughout the meal. I had planned the event with her and told her about the PTO moms and all they do for the school. At the end of the meal, she spoke with the women. As we were leaving, she mentioned to us that the immigrant community is not used to being treated with dignity in the United States, and that it was a blessing to her to see how the school was treating this group of women, sharing that it gave her hope!

“…My wife and I have been married for 46 years and for most of that time, we have been intentionally involved in fruitful ministry to others. Something about what we are doing now feels different. I think before I was being discipled by the media instead of Jesus, at least to some degree. 

“Could it be that ministry to the oppressed is at the heart of the Gospel? Could it be that, as we care for the oppressed, we are actually caring for Jesus?”

To read the rest of the story, go here: https://www.borderperspective.org/blog/the-kingdom-of-heaven-has-come-near.

Photo by Galt Museum & Archives on Unsplash