quiet
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
In every situation, in every trial, in every circumstance, bring it to the Lord in prayer.
Have you ever had a problem that demanded an immediate solution? You reach out to your closest friend or spouse–but receive no response.You try your mom or a colleague, yet still no answer. Frustration begins to set in only to realize that perhaps this is a sign you forgot someone. Why is it that in the midst of panic, we often turn to God as a last resort?
It’s not lost on us that Christians are not exempt from the pain of life. We’re surrounded by difficult circumstances on every side and if we look at it long enough it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, burdened with worry and fear.
Yet, Paul tells us here that there is a supernatural peace that God gives to his children in the midst of the storms of life. It is not the removal of our problems that brings this peace but rather a peace that comes only from God Himself.
In this passage, Paul exhorts us to stop worrying— don’t be anxious about anything. But in every situation, in every trial, in every circumstance, bring it to the Lord in prayer.
Nothing in your life is too big compared to our omnipotent, sovereign GOD. Nothing is impossible for him. He is on your side. Therefore, we have the incredible privilege of coming before His throne of grace in our time of need (Heb 4:16).
Seek the Lord for whatever it is you need to serve Him and carry out his will for your life. Then the peace of God, Paul writes, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. His peace produces courage instead of panic. It will shield you from acting impulsively, guard your mouth from complaints, and protect your heart from bitterness and anxiety.
Once you place the matter into the hands of God, it is now God’s responsibility to work things out according to his wisdom and grace. Trust Him and believe that He will provide exactly what you need in the time you need it.
In Him,
Makenzi
additional reading:
Isaiah 26:3 / Matthew 6:25 / 1 Peter 5:6-7
reflect:
Do you need to commit a matter to the Lord in prayer today? What is occupying your mind that needs to be placed into the sovereign hands of God? How might this posture presented by Paul incline others to see the hope that you have?
centering prayer:
LORD, I confess I have often turned to quick fixes rather than casting my cares upon you. Thank you that you care for me. Thank you for hearing my prayers and drawing near to me in my time of need. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need when I need it. There is none more trustworthy than you. I bring my heart to you today, all my worries and doubts. I leave them in your hands knowing you know exactly what to do. In your perfect wisdom and grace, may your will be done in my life. amen.
