The Beatitudes of Revelation

You’re probably familiar with the Beatitudes—the blessings that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 5:3-11 that start off the Sermon on the Mount. Revelation actually has seven beatitudes of its own.

ONE Blessed are those who read, hear, and heed the prophecy.

Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

I wrote about this last week, but the bottom line is that the blessing goes to those who read, hear, and heed (keep, apply) Revelation. Thankfully the word “understand” is not included. Even John, the author of the book of Revelation, didn’t understand all Jesus was revealing to him.

TWO Blessed are those who die in the Lord.

Revelation 14:13: “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.’”

This is sometimes quoted as a comfort for those who have lost Christian loved ones. When those who love Christ die, they literally close their eyes on earth and open them in heaven. Suffering and persecution are over, and rest and rewards are just beginning.

THREE Blessed are those who stay alert and keep their clothes.

Revelation 16:15: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.”

This may seem like an odd one. I think the NLT says it a little clearer: “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” It’s a reminder to stay vigilant, ready, and faithful.

FOUR Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of Christ.

Revelation 19:9: “Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’”

This is a reminder of the celebration in store for us, along with all God’s people, including the apostles and patriarchs.

FIVE Blessed are those who have a part in the first resurrection.

Revelation 20:6: “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”

The second death is a spiritual death—separation from God. Christ-followers are blessed because they will reign with Christ as kings and priests.

SIX Blessed are those who heed the words of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:7: “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

This blessing calls back to the first one—it bookends Revelation. Blessed is the one who keeps, heeds, applies the words of the book.

SEVEN Blessed are those who wash their robes.

Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.”

Those who “wash their robes” have been purified by trusting in Christ and following Him faithfully. They remain faithful and ready for His return. Adam and Eve were barred from the Tree of Life, but we will have ready access to it.

It’s significant that there are seven blessings. The number seven is all over the book of Revelation. The number seven signifies completion, totality, fulness, perfection. (Think of the seven-day week established in Genesis 1 and many other sevens throughout the Bible.)

Will you be ready for His return? Are you not just reading and listening to the Word, but applying it and letting it change you? Don’t just read the Word; let the Word read you.

The Baked-in Blessing of Revelation

I’ve started teaching through the book of Revelation in my men’s group, so I will be sharing some of that in the blog.

It’s a difficult book of the Bible, one that I have put off studying, to be honest. The imagery and the language of the book can seem mysterious and alarming. And, frankly, overwhelming.

But I have been comforted somewhat by what Tremper Longman III1 (what a name, right?) said in his commentary:

“The difficulty, though, is not because of the complexity of the book of Revelation, but rather because we modern readers are unfamiliar with imagery that would have been known to its first readers. These images, for the most part, were not created out of thin air, but have a background not only in first-century-AD Greco-Roman culture but also in the Old Testament, which itself has its background in ancient Near Eastern literature.”

I am also comforted by the fact that the book of Revelation comes with its own baked-in blessing, in Revelation 1:3 (NASB):

“Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

Who is blessed?

  • The one who reads it
  • The one who hears it
  • The one who keeps it

Back in the day, when this letter went from town to town—originally to the seven churches listed in verse 11—there were not 100 paperback copies to pass out. There was one scroll, and one person read while the rest listened.

There is a blessing for the one who reads this book and for the one who hears it.

Notice what it does not say. There is no blessing listed for the one who understands it. That’s comforting too!

We know that even John, who wrote the book down, didn’t understand everything he was saying. See Revelation 7:13-14:

“Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, ‘These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?’ I said to him, ‘My lord, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’”

So even the apostle John, the “one Jesus loves,” didn’t quite understand all he was seeing and conveying in this book. Why should I expect to understand it completely? Very comforting.

But—back to Revelation 1:3—the blessing is also for the one who keeps it.

I don’t have to understand every little symbol, but I do have to keep—to obey and apply—what I do understand.

And this is reinforced at the end of the book, in Revelation 22:7:

“[Jesus says:] And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

So this blessing bookends the book: I will be blessed if I keep what I find in Revelation.

And this reminds me of James 1:22-25:

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.”

I want that blessing! And the only way to get it is to read, hear, and keep God’s Word. As Nike says, just do it!

1 Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes: A Background and Application Commentary by Tremper Longman III (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Academic, 2022)

Hard Habit to Break

Bad habits are hard to break. (Cue Chicago “Hard Habit to Break.”)

Like eating ice cream every night. Or putting off doing your taxes. Or drinking so much coffee that you begin to hear colors.

(Don’t judge me. You have your own bad habits, I’m sure of it. And if not, please don’t rub it in.)

Many habits are due to the environment. I have a habit of sneezing in the spring because of my environment, but that’s another story.

Several months ago we bought new sink faucets for the kitchen and bathrooms because our old faucets had a habit of leaking. Love the new faucets but there is one small problem.

You see, these faucets have a handle that you push up or down depending on what temperature you want. For the bathroom faucets, you push up for hot, down for cold. “Heat it up” is what I tell myself. So far so good, right?

But for the kitchen faucet, you push down for hot, up for cold. Yep, backwards.

My wife says there is a marking on the kitchen faucet indicating this, but apparently it is too small for the average human eye to see it and she has bionic sight. (Cue Bionic Woman sound effect.)

What all this means is that every time I go to operate a sink—something I have done every day of my life for 61 years, by the way—I have to think hard to remember how this faucet works. You may think that doesn’t sound so difficult, but remember: habits! It’s hard to get in a habit when it’s different each time.

My wife reminds me at the kitchen sink that it’s “down for hot.” Of course I did already know it was “down for hot” but just needed to remember.

In fact, for the majority of life, I know what to do. I just need to remember.

The Israelites had the same problem. That’s why God has to remind them of the same things over and over. And over. And He even has them remind themselves in various ways.

  • According to Deuteronomy 6:8, they were to tie Scripture on their hands and bind them on their foreheads. These are called phylacteries or tefillin. They were small leather boxes that contain portions of the Law of Moses. Despite this literal application, many scholars think this verse to be more figurative.
  • And according to the next verse (6:9), they were also to write them on the doorframe to the house. This is called a mezuzah (Hebrew for “doorpost”) and usually contains the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
  • According to Deuteronomy 17:18-20, each time a new king takes the throne of Israel, he is to write his own copy of the Law of Moses and “read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.”

In the New Testament, Peter also understood the importance of reminding:

  • “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” – 2 Peter 1:12-15
  • “Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.” – 2 Peter 3:1-2

It seems we humans need a lot of reminding to get past our bad habits and establish good ones.

What are some practical ways to remind ourselves continually of the Word of God? There are many possibilities, but here are a few ideas:

  • Daily getting in the Bible and prayer, preferably in the early morning, but at other times as well
  • Regular church meetings and small group meetings
  • Listening to the Bible digitally
  • Posting artistic Scriptures in the home
  • Memorizing a verse a week
  • Writing out meaningful Scriptures in a journal

What are some other ways you can think of to remind yourself of God’s Word?

Corralling Cruft

Author Seth Godin introduced me to a new word in his book The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? The word originates from the Cruft Lab, part of the physics department of Harvard. In Cruft Hall, old, discarded, or out-of-date equipment that had been lying about began to be called “cruft.”

Later, redundant, old, or improperly written computer code began to be called cruft. It’s unnecessary, leftover, or just poorly written code that can become useless or even harmful.

Even a good bit of information on the World Wide Web, such as this blog, could be considered cruft over time.

You can easily transpose this thought to other items. That junk drawer with so many miscellaneous objects. That bin of cords to long lost gadgets. That Blackberry that was so essential 20 years ago.

Much of what is in your garage and attic is probably cruft. So many things that at one time seemed to be pretty important but are now just forgotten under a pile of dust bunnies.

Even more crucial to consider, what about well-worn thoughts and habits that get in the way of us moving forward and growing? What about the sins and laziness and selfishness that keep us from being the best version of ourselves for the people around us?

Cruft comes in many forms indeed.

It’s difficult to get rid of cruft. We worry that we will need it someday—that errant cord that goes to, well, something, but we’re not sure what; that old kitchen tool that we’ve had so long but can’t remember when we’ve used it last; that book on the shelf that we haven’t looked at, maybe ever, but who knows when we’ll get a hankering to read it.

The cruft of thoughts, attitudes, and habits can be even harder to rid ourselves of. But sometimes jettisoning that cruft of our thoughts can be crucial to our growth and future.

“The art of moving forward lies in understanding what to leave behind.”

— Seth Godin

Let’s de-cruft our lives—clean it out, ignore it, and replace it with God’s Word and His thoughts about us. Let’s press on and leave the cruft behind.

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

— Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

Level Up: Letting the Bible Transform Our Lives

One of the most important practices that contributes to a growing Christian is Bible intake. The term Bible intake encompasses several different ways we can take in the Word of God, including reading, listening, meditating, memorizing, and studying. But there are four levels of bible intake, and all four are needed, although most of us stall out before getting to the fourth level.

LEVEL ONE: INFORMATION

Level one is taking in the information in the Bible. This is the most basic level. We are taking in the facts of the printed page of the Bible, including many basic thoughts, that could include context, author, audience, location, time frame, word meanings, and more. Whether reading or listening by ourselves, in a group setting, or in a church service, this is the starting point of Bible intake.

At this stage our minds are taking in what we read or hear. This is the Word heard.

“But who has stood in the council of the Lord,

That he should see and hear His word?

Who has paid attention to His word and listened?”

— Jeremiah 23:18 (NASB)

LEVEL TWO: INSPIRATION

The best way to describe level two is that of an “aha” moment. It’s when a light bulb comes on and you see something in the Scripture you never noticed before, or you make connections that you had never seen. It’s that moment of inspiration when the Word is no longer head knowledge. It comes alive and more real than before.

At this stage, not only is the mind taking it in, but the heart as well. This is the Word alive.

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

— Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

LEVEL THREE: APPLICATION

It’s not enough to take in the information of the Bible and to be inspired by it. We must also apply it. We must not be merely hearers of the Word, but doers also. This is where the Word not only inspires us, but also affects us in our behavior. It causes us to do something with what we’ve read. People should see a difference in us because of the intake of God’s Word.

It’s not just taking it in. Now we are living it out. This is the Word applied.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

— 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

LEVEL FOUR: TRANSFORMATION

The danger of level three—application—is that it can become a legalistic motion. That is, we come up with a to do list when we study the Bible. The ultimate goal is not application, but rather transformation. Rather than just changing what we do, we allow the Living Word to change us into who He wants us to be. This is a lifelong process. As Christ changes and transforms us, we naturally begin doing what He wants us to do.

This is not just living it out, but living from the inside out. This is the Word altering.

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

— Romans 12:2 (AMP)

The goal, of course, is to get to level four—transformation. When we get stuck at the basic level of information, the Bible can become dry and boring. It has really no impact on our daily lives. If we get stuck at the inspiration level, we can be trapped in a vortex of our emotions. We can never rise above how moved (or not moved) we are at the moment. If we get stuck at application, we can start to feel unfulfilled since the to do list of what we see we should do gets longer and longer. Our only hope is the transformation level where we let God transform us by the power of His Word.

What level do you find most comfortable for you at the moment? Is it time to level up? Let’s get to level four transformation and find fulfillment and joy in the Living Word of God.

The Importance of Rethinking

How sure are you about what you think? How do you know that you know what you know? How do you handle someone with a competing view?

When our beliefs are attacked, do we slip into the role of a preacher, a prosecutor, or a politician? Or do we approach ideas like a scientist?

That’s the basis of Adam Grant’s book Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know (Penguin Books, 2021).

“We go into preacher mode when our sacred beliefs are in jeopardy: we deliver sermons to protect and promote our ideals. We enter prosecutor mode when we recognize flaws in other people’s reasoning: we marshal arguments to prove them wrong and win our case. We shift into politician mode when we’re seeking to win over an audience: we campaign and lobby for the approval of our constituents. The risk is that we become so wrapped up in preaching that we’re right, prosecuting others who are wrong, and politicking for support that we don’t bother to rethink our own views.”

— Adam Grant

Grant presents the alternative as that of a scientist.

“If you’re a scientist by trade, rethinking is fundamental to your profession. You’re paid to be constantly aware of the limits of your understanding. You’re expected to doubt what you know, be curious about what you don’t know, and update your views based on new data.”

— Adam Grant

Dr. Grant is an organizational psychologist and a professor at the prestigious Wharton College (and Wharton’s top-rated professor for seven years running!). He does not approach this subject necessarily from a Christian perspective, but I find it a fascinating subject with Christian applications.

It is so easy to get settled into one singular view of a matter and close oneself off to any thought that might seem contrary. But when I read the gospels, I see Jesus constantly challenging everyone’s views and provoking them to rethink.

A Bible teacher in my past once said, “No one of us has a corner on truth.” I still believe that today. While there are certain basics of the faith that are pretty cut and dried, there are many things that are in grey areas. That’s part of the mystery of God, I think. And that’s one of the reasons we need community. We need other brothers and sisters to challenge our faith and our thinking. We all bring different perspectives to the table that need to be considered. (Consider the fact that there are four gospel accounts, not just one. Why is that?)

One subject Grant does not attack is how rumors and gossip can influence our thinking. We can hear news about someone—information that may be true, false, or somewhere in between with a kernel of truth—that colors how we think of that person. Instead of approaching it like a scientist to test our hypothesis, we can let that gossip taint how we think, and we then spread that gossip further. (Adam, can you speak to this?)

I highly recommend Think Again by Adam Grant. It will challenge your thinking—and your rethinking.

What does everything mean?

He was weary. House arrest does that to you. But so does the nagging suspicion that the end is near. And that also gave him a strange sense of hope and peace. He so looked forward to seeing His Savior once again, of hearing that kind voice say, “Come, and enter into your rest.”

But for now, in spite of the weariness, there was a passion in his pen. He felt like this might be the last time he could put down in words what was burning in his heart. He knew the struggles His fellow believers were facing—and he felt the worst was yet to come. In some ways, this could be a record of his last words—what he wanted to make sure he said before his glorious transition to paradise.

Emperor Nero was on the warpath. Jews felt like they were on the outside, and Christians were looked at skeptically. Jewish Christians were despised by both the Romans and the Jews. Nero was lighting them on fire—alive—to light up his gardens.

Danger outside the door is one thing. But now there was danger within the camp as well. False teachers—sheep in wolf’s clothing—were becoming a sinister threat to the church.

It is in this first century setting that Simon Peter sets his pen to writing to persecuted believers the letter we now call 2 Peter. It’s a letter with astounding application to the 21st century as well.

He begins with a powerful statement.

“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

2 Peter 1:3 (NASB)

As Christians in the first century and in the 21st century, we know that God has given us everything we will ever need for “life and godliness,” that is, for eternal living later and for godly living now.

It’s worth noting that the word “everything” is translated from the Greek word pas, which actually means, well, “everything.”

Through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, we are fully equipped to live out a radiant, godly life, even in the face of blunt persecution.

And this happens through “the true knowledge” of Christ. This is not an intellectual awareness or a theoretical understanding, but a true heart knowledge borne of intimacy with the Savior.

“You see, with our initial salvation, God has equipped us—by the indwelling Spirit—with an introductory packet that includes everything we need. We have access to resources which, when utilized, will result in usefulness and fruitfulness both horizontally—in our relationships with others—and vertically—in our relationship with God.”

Charles Swindoll

No matter what you and I face this week, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, no matter what the world system, the flesh, and the devil throw our way, we can know that the Holy Spirit has empowered us to handle it all in His power. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. And He has already given us everything we need to not only survive but thrive.

This just in . . .

(Note: After nearly six years of radio silence on this blog, I am writing again. Join me on the journey, share with your friends, and give me some comments and maybe even writing advice. But be gentle. I am rusty.)

I turned 60 a few months ago, which means I am older than most people. The median age in the USA is about 39, so I am way older than that. I am so old that I remember using punch cards in a computer class in high school. I am so old that I remember when I was the TV’s remote control. I’m so old that I remember when Cosby was cool, not criminal, OJ ran for the 49ers, not for his life, and Caitlyn was a boy on a Wheaties box.

I’m so old I remember fondly the first cast of Saturday Night Live—the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Those seasons were the best. Well, maybe not the very first season, when Jim Henson’s Muppets had a running feature that was absolutely horrid and maybe the only thing Jim and the Muppets failed at (look it up). But after those very first shows when it caught its stride.

The news update feature has survived through different formats and hosts through all these nearly 50 years. And the one running gag I have remembered for years is, “This just in: Generalissimo Franscisco Franco is still dead.”

The origin of this phrase was that the Spanish dictator Franco had been hanging onto life by a thread and news outlets seemed to be holding a vigil for weeks reporting that he was still alive. Chevy Chase first uttered the famous (and possibly SNL’s first long-lasting) catchphrase soon after Franco’s death in November 1975.

For a twist on this phrase, I’d like to submit the following news bulletin on this day after Easter 2024.

This breaking news just in: Christ is still risen.

Following reports yesterday that the tomb was empty and churches worldwide celebrated with triumphant singing and tears of joy, our sources report that many offices were filled this morning with sad faces and drooping frames as they realized Jesus had not returned to earth, which meant they had to return to work.

If we truly believe that Jesus has risen, that He has been victorious over death, hell, and the grave…if we firmly agree that the same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in and empowers those who believe in His name…if we wholeheartedly trust that Jesus’ resurrection means that not only do we have eternal life with Him later, but abundant life with Him now…

Then we must agree that a risen Christ means that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, no matter what trials befall us, no matter what temptations entice us, no matter how slow the traffic is, we can know and celebrate the fact that we serve a risen, living Savior who, by His divine power, “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3).

So I repeat…

This just in, ladies and gentlemen: Christ is still risen!

The Elephant in the Room on Sunday Mornings

I’ve always hated the following way some preachers (and other public speakers) begin a talk:

Preacher: Good morning!

Congregation (weakly): Morning.

Preacher: Oh, let’s try that again. You can do better than that! Good morning!

Congregation (stronger): Good morning!

After being thoroughly chastised for not being excited enough, the audience repeats the greeting a little louder.

I guess what bothers me is the implication that we all need to be cheery and excited and full of faith and ready to conquer the world.

Frankly, that’s just not the case for many of us in the room. In fact, it may be the opposite. It may be that being at the end of our rope is what brought us here to church in the first place.

I’ve always felt that our churches need to acknowledge the hurt in the room on a given Sunday morning. After experiencing three deaths of my loved ones in the past four years I believe it even more.

Mom & Dad, 1995 (our wedding)

And as Mother’s Day approaches and I remember my mom’s 10-year descent into Alzheimer’s and all that entailed…as I recall her death and having to tell Dad…as I look at her photos and remember her as she was before that evil disease hijacked her brain and body…I feel this pain even more and feel strongly that churches should address the pain in their midst. Mother’s Day is not just about honoring the moms in the room but should also be about acknowledging the pain in the room from all the missing moms.

Almost half of the Psalms are songs of lament—expressing our pain and suffering back to the Lord without sugarcoating it. Henry David Thoreau said it well: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Can we not acknowledge this better in our services?

Keith and Kristyn Getty explain their approach to leading worship with these thoughts in mind:

We sing, as the Psalms train us, to help us bring all of our lives, failures, successes, losses, gains, dreams, and ambitions into gospel perspective. Our singing can prepare us for every season of life, and sustain us through every season of life. We don’t need a musical escape from our lives; we need to gaze on the Savior of our lives—our refuge and help and comfort.

(From Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church by Keith and Kristyn Getty, p. 47.)

What do you think? Should our churches do a better job of acknowledging the pain in the room? And if yes, how so?

Update: After I wrote this post, I came across this from Facts & Trends on how churches should handle Mother’s Day.

Pathways to peace (and less worry)

Quick: How many things can you think of that rob you of peace and cause you to worry? I’ll give you a minute to think about it.

If you’re like most, you quickly run out of fingers and toes thinking of all the worrisome thoughts that make you anxious. Kids (whether minors or adults), aging parents, job security, marital strife, money woes, pending home repairs, Friday afternoon rush hour, the car’s transmission making that funny noise: all these compound our concern. Not to mention national politics, tensions overseas, new strains of disease, fluctuating economic markets, people who say “supposably” when they mean “supposedly” … all these amp up our anxiety and wind up our worry-ometer.

Paul addresses our apprehensions in the letter he wrote to the church at Philippi. And his words carry added weight when we realize that he wrote them from a jail cell in Rome. Imprisoned for sharing the Gospel, this letter that emphasizes our joy and peace in the Lord speaks to us today nearly 2,000 years later.

In particular, Philippians 4:4-9 seems to outline a path to peace in the midst of, and in spite of, the worrisome world about us. If you follow these guidelines, “you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (v. 7). And “the God of peace will be with you” (v. 9).

Let’s take a look at these eight paths to peace.

ONE  Be joyful: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (v. 4). So, right off the bat, we have what seems to be an impossible command. How can we just turn on the joy when the happys just aren’t there? On the one hand, we shouldn’t ignore all those nonjoyful emotions—that’s where serious emotional problems can fester. But the research is interesting: Smiling helps boost your mood, increase happiness, and lower stress—even if you’re faking it. The next time you find your mood sinking, smile—and dwell on our amazing God and His attributes. And you’ll find peace in your heart.

TWO  Be considerate: “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do” (v. 5). In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to start getting short with others. We start focusing on ourselves, our needs, our wants, what we think we deserve. Turn that focus around and concentrate on the other person, their needs, their wants. And don’t forget to smile, which is contagious. I’ve found that when I take an interest in those around me and smile, it improves their mood and mine. To me, that’s what it means to be considerate.

THREE  Remember the Lord’s return: “Remember, the Lord is coming soon” (v. 5). The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. Wait, it’s Friday already? Wait, it’s almost May? Wait, it’s been how long since “Gangnam Style” was a thing? The days/weeks/months all run together. In the midst of this, we hear a command: Remember. Specifically, remember that the Lord is coming soon. Of course, we don’t know when. Could be in 100 years. But it could be tomorrow. It’s a reminder of our heavenly reward awaiting us.

FOUR  Replace worry with prayer: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything” (v. 6). Someone once said that worry and prayer are two sides of the same coin; worry is anti-prayer. Max Lucado says, “No one can pray and worry at the same time.” Prayer has the ability to neutralize worry because we are putting our concerns in God’s hands. The problem is that we tend to take it right back from His hands after we pray! Thus, we need more prayer.

FIVE  Tell God your needs: “Tell God what you need …” (v. 6). Does God already know what we need? Of course. But there is healing and peace that comes when we tell Him and ask Him.

SIX  Be thankful: “… thank him for all he has done” (v. 6). There are a multitude of studies that show that gratitude improves our lives in many ways, including our health, our careers, and our social lives. The benefits of thankfulness are so well documented that many people recommend being intentional about writing down in a journal three positive things to be thankful for each evening. And for the Christian, we know the One we can extend our thanks to.

SEVEN  Be careful what you think about: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (v. 8). The old maxim of garbage in, garbage out really is true. Or put another way: “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny” (source). I find that when I let too much negative or harmful talk into my head, whether from radio, tv, friends, etc., my thoughts get cloudy with a chance of depression. Peace comes from refocusing on the good, especially Scripture.

EIGHT  Apply what you’ve learned: “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing” (v. 9). Knowledge without application is useless. Gaining more spiritual knowledge without putting it into practice is a recipe for misery. There is a peace that comes when we know we’ve been obedient to what God is showing us through His Word and His people. “Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:17).

Try one or more of these in the next few days and let me know if it helps to maintain your peace in a whirl of worry.