The Power of Peace
Philippians 4:6-7Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Don't worry. It's easier said than done, isn't it? Anxiety penetrates my heart when I am . . .
. . . waiting on the test results . . . . . . waiting on a teenager who is late coming home . . . . . . wondering if my job will be part of the downsizing . . . . . . stretching the budget to make ends meet . . . . . . wondering if he will stay or leave with her . . . . . . battling a barrage of "what ifs" . . .
God's instruction on worry is not "get ahold of yourself." Rather, God wants us to get ahold of him. Worry is the reminder to take our fears to God. Tell him that you're scared. Confess your doubts. Pour out your dread. Let him know your reservations. Thank God that he hears you and will meet you right where you are.
God promises that when we take our concerns to him, he will provide a stillness of the soul that surpasses all human understanding. This calmness will stand like armed guards around your heart and mind. Our anxious request is not a "one and done." It is a moment by moment, situation by situation, day by day continuance of presenting our needs to God, and he delivers with his power of peace.
Father, thank you for the promise of your peace. Help me use each anxious thought as a reminder to take my worry to you. Thank you for replacing the feeling of overwhelming anxiety with your calmness that goes beyond human understanding. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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