Todd Johnson
Family Pastor
Philippians 4:6-7
“6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I deal with being anxious daily and it is a continual battle for me. I know this verse by heart, yet I still struggle with not trusting God and giving everything to Him. I may start the day by presenting my requests to the Lord but before I know it, I have taken all my worries and concerns back and find myself trying to figure things out on my own. I know that is not the smartest thing to do, but I am being transparent. How often do you start your day with prayer? Before you even get out of bed, are you dropping to your knees and talking to God? I wish I could tell you that I do that every day but that would be a lie. If I’m honest, I start many of my days by looking at my phone and checking emails and texts first.
This verse is a great reminder and challenge that we need to start our day with prayer, turning everything over to God. Lay it in His hands and trust Him that He will listen and take care of us. Verse 7 gives you the promise that His peace will guard your hearts and minds…isn’t that wonderful news?? If we can give Him all our requests and leave them there, He will pour His peace that passes all understanding over us. What a generous and gracious God we serve. I need His peace to make it through each day. There are times that I am so overwhelmed with life that I have a hard time catching my breath. That is when I shut my eyes and listen to God’s voice to tell me it’s going to be OK, He has me in the palm of His hands and will never let me go.
Whatever is going on in your life right now, present it to the Lord. Trust Him and allow His peace to infiltrate every aspect of your being. Bathe in His love and mercy and hold tight to the promise that He will guard your heart and mind. He is such a GREAT Savior.