Worried? Something laying heavy on your heart? Me too…most of the time it seems. But this morning I found a prescription for worry that I had never quite seen before. Check it out:”Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER and SUPPLICATION, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:4-7
It is easy for someone to tell us not to worry and to pray for God to give us that “peace that passes all understanding,” but if we read these verses, we will notice that this isn’t something that can just come. No, we have been given exact instructions on what to do. First, pray and supplicate (“to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition”), and with thanksgiving, let our requests (the things we want to see happen) be made known to God. THEN, once we have done all that, it says that the peace of God will guard our hearts.
I love God’s peace. It truly does pass our understanding, because it doesn’t come only when our situation has been made right, like a natural peace would, but comes during the very thickest part of our storm or struggle. Whatever you are praying for today, follow God’s Rx for worry, and then sit back as His peace takes over in the middle of your chaos. He is good.
January 18, 2008 at 10:19 pm |
Great insight to that passage. Love you both. ub
January 18, 2008 at 10:31 pm |
This is good stuff!!!
January 19, 2008 at 1:36 am |
Welcome to the blogosphere, Lis! I love your first two posts, and look forward to reading more from you. You’ve been on quite a journey and I know you have so much to share with us. Can’t wait to read more (and also hear all the new songs)!
January 19, 2008 at 3:47 am |
What a blessing you are to others…i thank God for using you the way he does, to be there for those’s in need….thank you Lis.
January 20, 2008 at 2:47 pm |
Dear Lis, Not only is this devotional beautiful, but I have watched you go through this storm. I can really say that I am inspired because I have seen Jesus rise up within you – even in your brokenness. I love you, Lis, and so deeply respect and admire all that God is doing in you. The best is yet to come! To God be all the Glory.