Philippians 4:7-9 - 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.

This passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians talks about finding peace through focusing our thoughts on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Paul encourages the Philippians to put into practice the things they learned from him so that they may know the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. This peace comes from guarding our hearts and minds in Christ. When we fix our thoughts on virtue and all things praiseworthy, the God of peace will be with us.

In this troubled world, it can be so easy to let our thoughts dwell on negative or worrisome things. But Paul reminds us that true peace comes from focusing our minds on what is good, righteous, and beautiful. When we fill our hearts with truth and lift our eyes to Christ, his peace washes over us like a calm after a storm. This peace is beyond our comprehension - it is a gift from God. As we put into practice the lessons of faith that others have taught us, the God of peace remains ever-present to soothe our souls. In dark times, we must discipline our thoughts to stay fixed on virtue. And in good times, let our grateful hearts overflow with praise for the peacemaker, Christ Jesus, who even now guards our minds and fills them with tranquility.

Heavenly Father, the wellspring of all peace, quiet our restless spirits and turn our thoughts to you. Help us to focus our minds on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, as your Son Jesus Christ has taught us. May your peace that surpasses understanding calm the storms within us and surround us always. Strengthen us to put into practice the lessons of faith we have learned so that we may know you, the God of peace, more fully each day. We pray in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.