"Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there." Hymn lyrics by Joseph M. Scriven (1820-1886).
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation).
We live in a broken world with endless troubles and challenges as far as the eye can see. This can lead to great anxiety, especially when you spend a lot of time contemplating our human existence!
Our scripture of the day makes it clear that we do not have to waste one minute worrying and being anxious! Instead, we are told to go and talk to God about all those things that concern us. We are instructed to tell God what we need and to thank Him for everything He has done.
It is my experience that an amazing peace usually follows such an exchange with God. In a moment, that peace wraps itself around my thoughts and my heart, and I am more than able to face my day.
How is that possible? Think about it: I gave God my concerns, and He gave me His reassuring presence. What an exchange! When I commit to recall all the wonderful and miraculous things the Lord had done for me, I cannot help but feel elated and motivated. Now I am ready to conquer the challenges in my day! It is hard to be a pessimist when you have a grateful heart!
Action Step:
- Are you feeling a little anxious today? Pray about it!
- Tell God what you need.
- Then take some time to thank Him for what He has already done, and what He is about to do.
- Then, get ready for God's amazing peace!
Review:
1. Prayer Is Simply Talking And Listening To God.
2. Prayer Should Flow From A Contrite Heart.
3. Your Prayers Should Be Confident.
4. Your Prayers Should Be Concise And To The Point.
5. Your Prayers Should Be Consistent And Constant.
6. Pray In Jesus' Name.
7. Pray About Everything!
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