Is experiencing God’s peace conditional?

The Apostle Paul answers this question in Philippians 4:6-9 when he says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.”

What’s the risk for us to work on and discipline our minds to ‘think continually on these things’ that Paul exhorts us to focus on?

Changing bad habits (being anxious and worrying) is never easy, but when we consider the rewards, like God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus … what in the world are we waiting for?!

Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” It’s up to each one of us to come to know God through His Word and to talk with Him in prayer. When we habitually do those two activities, our thoughts will more readily align with His, and so will our actions.