“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
My whole perspective on prayer has changed much over the past several years. Before, I looked at prayer mostly as a means of my bringing my needs and requests to God for Him to supply and solve. I was more concerned about His specific answers than personal fellowship with Him. I found myself fretting and anxious as I awaited His response, instead of resting in the knowledge of Who He is “the all-wise, all-powerful, all-loving God of the universe”.
Then Philippians 4:6-7 came alive for me through a sermon by our pastor one Sunday evening. We are commanded not to be anxious about anything! Now that’s a tall order for one such as I. Rather, we are to approach God in “prayer” (worship and adoration), and “supplication” (telling Him everything as though He didn’t have a clue about it all, pouring out our hearts to Him), “with thanksgiving.” As we present our requests in such a way, He gives us a most wonderful and awesome promise, His peace, which is beyond our comprehension, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus! God cannot lie. This promise will be fulfilled each time we follow His command in verse six. He doesn’t promise to always give us what we’ve requested, but something even better “to fill us with His peace and the knowledge of His presence with us.” What more could we desire?
The next time you find yourself fretting, even after you have “prayed” about something, remember Philippians 4:6-7 and accept His invitation to come bask in His peace.
by Violet Tse
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers
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