Philippians 4:6-7
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.
Back in the summer, I was laid off. I and others have been praying about employment. This past week, I had an interview, was given a job offer and I accepted it. Great news, answered prayer, but over the weekend I was a little nervous about the first day, even a bit worried. Yesterday morning was my first day. As I got up yesterday to get ready, I sat and read my devotions. And this is how God usually works things with me. My devotion was titled "Be anxious for nothing". As soon as I opened the email, I just had to chuckle. It was too perfect of a fit, the way the devotion went. It was about Philippians 4:6-7. At work, the position was a perfect fit for me. At 10 o'clock the Manager handed me the first job. And as the day ended, I had nothing to worry about.
We have so many things going on around us, that are stirring our hearts:
Wildfires
Hurricanes
Flooding
International Unrest
Riots
Protests
Businesses being forced to shut down
Covid-19 second wave
Election
Financial Instability
Undeniably, these are things that can grab our attention, and if we allow them to take our thoughts for a ride, they will. The Apostle Paul has an answer for us and it's tied to a promise. The first part of verse 6 is pretty stern and to the point. The second part is this way in the Passion Translation: "be saturated in prayer throughout each day." I really feel the emphasis in the phrase "be saturated" gets my attention better. The last part, then again in the Passion Translation: "offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude." "Be saturated in prayer" is what is jumping off the page at me. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Our promise.
Have a great day!
—Brian Rainey
*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.