Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and
in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving,
continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace shall be yours,
that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so
fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever
sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and
mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:6-7 (amplified bible)
Worry....it draws our eyes off God and soon, all we see are the circumstances
that surround us and we are overwhelmed. We don't know how to solve the
problems we see, and we feel lost and alone. Financial worries are the worst,
and worries about family and friends follow closely behind.
What can we do when faced with situations that bring fear and worry into our
lives? In every circumstance, in everything, we pray. We tell God what we
need, what we want, and rest in the assurance that He, as our loving Father,
will provide for those needs. And we praise Him for His provision before we
even see it, because we know He will provide - maybe not in the way we want
Him to provide, but in the way that is best for us.
The result of our prayers and thanksgiving is peace. A peace that passes the
understanding of the world; a peace that keeps us trusting and calm in the
midst of the storm that swells around us. And this peace will mount a guard
over our hearts and minds - the amplified bible says it will garrison and
mount guard. A garrison is a permanent military installation which defends
the ground it is built upon. What a wonderful picture that is! Our hearts
are the permanent base of God's peace, and His peace will guard our hearts and
minds.
Seek God today, in the middle of your worries and stress. Come to Him in
prayer with your specific needs, asking for His provision, trusting Him to
provide, thanking Him for His goodness and mercy, and He will be there for
you!
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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