Don't Worry. Pray and Rest!

Daily Reading:  Philippians 4

Scripture Focus: 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)

Devotional Thought: "Do not be anxious!"  Have you ever felt these words were spoken directly to you?  Take heart, for you’re not alone.   Worry vexed even New Testament Christians.  If not, why would Paul have addressed it?

Today's devotion is taken from a lesson by my good friend, Dale Noel.  We are encouraged to:

·       Refuse to worry.  By definition, anxiety is fear or nervousness about what might happen.  It can also mean "to be pulled in different directions".  For example, our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us in the opposite direction.  To be anxious is to be "pulled apart"!  From a spiritual perspective, anxiety is: Wrong THINKING and wrong FEELING about circumstances, people and things. It is the greatest thief of joy.  Paul said to turn it away at the door of your thoughts.

·       Request in prayer.  Prayer and supplication are similar, but distinct. Prayer is a broader word that can mean all of our communication with God, but supplication directly asks God to do something such as interceding for others. God invites us simply to let our requests be made known. He wants to know.  In prayer, we humble ourselves before him, admitting our need.  Also, note the word, "everything."  Every area of our lives is a concern to God!

·       Rest in the peace of God.  The results of refusing to worry and requesting in prayer is peace.  Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, so the source of peace is God. The final thing we are encouraged to do is accept what God will do. 

Have a great day: refusing to worry, requesting your needs and resting in his peace!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you are able to do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine.  When my thoughts begin to cause me anxiety, remind me who you are and what you are able to do.  Then help me to rest in the fact that you are a good, good Father.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.11-12

11 The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.

12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne. ”