TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:6-7
Shane was driving through the Midwest with his wife and three children on a family vacation. He knew the gas gauge on his truck was not always the most accurate, but he decided to pass a gas station on the edge of South Dakota opting to stop at the next—after all, he had “100 miles until empty” according to the dashboard display. He drove and drove, drove and drove. Nervously, he watched the gauge ease towards the big “E,” seeing no place to fill-up in sight. Finally, much to his relief, he was able to pull into a station with “1 mile until empty.” Haven’t we all at times worried over a gas light glowing, low tire pressure sensor tripping, or check engine light shining at the least convenient time? Sometimes, this brings us more anxiety than other times. Regardless, we all experience situations that can cause great anxiety and worry.
Paul is finishing up his letter to the church at Philippi when he pens these words: “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). Paul’s solution to the anxiety that plagues us is to pray and petition God about whatever causes tension in our lives. Notice also, Paul says to include thanksgiving in these prayers; we are not to forget amid all our troubles that God blesses us plentifully. Praying in this way has a rich effect on our lives. Paul says that the peace God gives to guard our hearts and minds “surpasses all understanding,” meaning it is beyond our comprehension or reasoning. How God can give us peace that powerful is a mystery to us, but this much we know and have all seen in our own lives: God is able to grant us that peace. What a mighty God we serve who is willing to give us peace when we pray to Him about our worries!
Today I will…openly share my biggest worry, anxiety, or difficulty with God in prayer without neglecting to thank Him for the ways He has blessed me. I will remind myself that God provides peace in ways beyond my comprehension to those who bring their issues before Him.
