“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
God’s peace is a wonderful thing. And some of the people around you today are in need of it. It comes when you surrender your life to Christ and live by the principles laid out in Scripture. When you “commit” something to the Lord, you transfer every part of it from you to Him (see Psalm 37:5). Peter writes, “Casting … the whole of your … concerns, once and for all, on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). What a privilege. Have you been availing yourself of it lately? “How do I cast all my cares on Him?” you ask. Through prayer! As soon as you become aware that you’re starting to worry and lose your sense of peace, take it to God immediately and leave it with Him. Don’t give the devil time to work you over. The longer you wait, the greater his hold over you becomes.
“But I can’t help thinking about it,” you say. “What can I do?” These two things:
- Give it to God and then start to focus on other things. It’s a learned response, one you’ll have to practice daily. Paul writes, “Whatever is true … honorable and worthy of respect … whatever is lovely and brings peace … think continually on these things” (Philippians 4:8). In other words, redirect your thoughts!
- Find out what God says in His Word about your situation. Then line your thoughts, words, and actions up with it. When you do this, “You will experience God’s peace” (Philippians 4:7).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to remember to not worry about things but to turn them over to You trusting You to guide and direct my path. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
