Verse of the Day 3/15

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)  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.

 

We ended yesterday's devotional with considering how "Jesus pulls harder" drawing his people to himself. As we go about our days in this world, many times it seems that we are pulled in all different directions. Things are pulling at us for our attention, interests our commitments and our hearts. Many of these things are in conflict and trying to resolve these conflicts on our own can lead to anxiety and "anxious thoughts".  These anxious thoughts rob us of our peace, the peace that only God can truly give. 

 

 I read the following quote in a recent "Walk in the Word" devotional where Buddy Riddle wrote:  "Do not be anxious about anything..... The original word for anxious is a very interesting word.  It means to be pulled apart.  Would you agree that is what happens when we are anxious?  Our hopes and dreams are over here on one side and our fears and doubts are on the other side.  And this is literally pulling us apart.  Depending on which side is winning the tug-of-war determines if we are on the pathway to peace."  Jesus pulls harder, He can carry the load.

 

Does that describe what you are feeling as you start the day?  Why not take it to the Lord in prayer today, spend some time in His word, it just might surprise you what the Lord will do?  Did some songs come to mind while reading this?  Perhaps singing them in your heart or out loud may help relieve you of some of those anxieties.

 

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

 

Philippians 4:4-8English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.