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Those who’ve read my book, Lord Of Our Emotions, know my life scripture has been Philippians 4:6 & 7(NASB).... 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I’ve recently discovered I’ve so wonderfully and astonishingly moved into verse eight (8) .... 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things. I ‘finally’ feel I’ve obtained the verse I’ve quoted for thirty years which is peace that passes all understanding. I do not understand it and can’t explain it but, finally, it seems to be permanent. I’ve experienced peace in the past for a season and in certain situations, for a brief time, but it was temporary. Anxiety loomed and fear would take over whenever the circumstance changed or depression (the dark hole) showed up. In my book I tell readers that “right, pure, good and lovely” things are real and can be ours if we faint not. For some people who’ve seen mostly anger, sadness, evil and deception, it can seem like a fairy-tale that anything different exists. But I’m here to tell you that if you serve and follow God long enough, you’ll see the glory of the Lord and peace will be yours, even in a dark world. When I was a child, I had no choice who entered my life. As a young adult, I thought I deserved abusive men and with veiled eyes I made terrible decisions about the people I allowed in my life BUT NOW I surround myself with people of God. I have wonderful men and women of God in my circle of friends, who together, we strive to live righteous and make a difference in the lives of others. These wonderful people are imparting good things into my spirit and I pray I do the same for them. This certainly doesn’t exclude me from feeling concern or sadness for my family and friends going through trials, but it means I’m steady and peaceful in the midst of the storm. Here’s a note in my Life Application Bible about Philippians chapter 4 verse 8: What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to fill our minds with thoughts that are “true and good and right.” Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, movies and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask him to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done. I’m keeping Godly influences in front of me by way of worship music, reading the word, preachers on T.V. and prayer and fasting. It has now become natural for me to think on positive things, where pessimism ruled before. I’m not saying I’ve arrived. Please don’t hear that because I realize we’re all only one fleshly desire away from falling or stumbling but this is what we do.... Philippians 3:13-15(NASB) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Prayer: God when my actions or thoughts are not glorifying you, please let me hear your reproof and QUICKLY make adjustments according to your word and plans. May I realize that peace is a ‘state of mind’ and not determined by circumstance, allowing me to ‘stay in perfect peace’. I THANK YOU for every good and perfect gift, especially that of eternal life and pray I’ll continue to walk in peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen. God bless you and may you FINALLY find peace that’s beyond understanding and be able to THINK on these (good) things. 
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