Today : Rejoice In God
TODAY’S VERSE
“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 (NIV)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Prayer changes things. Karl Barth, a twentieth-century theologian wrote, “He is not deaf, He listens; more than that, He acts. He does not act in the same way whether we pray or not. Prayer exerts an influence upon God’s action, even upon His existence. That is what the word ‘answer’ means. The fact that God yields to man’s petitions, changing His intentions in response to man’s prayer, is not a sign of weakness. He Himself in the glory of His majesty and power, has willed it.” Paul knew this. That is why he tells us to stop being anxious. Instead, we are to pray, petitioning God, with thanksgiving in our heart. Why? Because we are coming to our Heavenly Father, who loves us, cares for us, is all powerful and will work everything according to His will. We can trust God with the ultimate outcome and in exchange He gives us something greater than any answer we could ever ask for. He gives us a promise. A promise to guard our heart and mind with His own peace. Not just any peace, but a peace that transcends anything that we can imagine. What is bothering you? What is it you need? What is breaking your heart? Talk to God about it. Today, right now, bring your requests to God and let His peace guard your heart and mind.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you know my needs. You know my anxious thoughts. I bring my circumstances to you and ask for your help with all my requests. Thank you Lord for hearing me. Thank you for caring. Thank you most of all for the peace that you bring to my heart and my mind.
Amen
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I am filled with God’s peace
Today, stop and become aware of God’s deep reservoir of peace. Like a large crystal clear pool of water simply lay on a raft and let the water carry you away. Likewise picture the Hands of God carrying you, supporting you and giving you peace. As you meditate on His love for you ask God to make you conscious of His peace. Ask Him to give you the peace that transcends all understanding.