02/18/20 Don’t Worry

READING: Exodus 35-37, Psalm 26, Philippians 4

It’s one of the toughest teachings in the Bible for me to obey. I’m generally a worrier, and I let things fester in my mind. Many have been the nights over the years when I have lain awake wondering about stuff – stuff that, if I’m completely honest, I allow to become an idol when I don’t follow Paul’s teachings of Philippians 4:  “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).

There’s so much here I need to remember. If I take everything to God in prayer and am thankful for all things, I don’t have to worry about anything. Even those things that concern me are under God’s hand, and I can trust His love even when my mind doesn’t want to rest well. That trust comes as I take my petitions to God and make sure that my mind dwells on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Phil 4:8). Thinking on the good stuff helps drive out the bad stuff; that is, dwelling on God drives out the enemy. 

The world may not understand the peace we have in the midst of trials, but that’s the point: God-given peace and continual rejoicing are a witness to the power of God in us. I’m ever learning that my worries are always counter to thinking the way that Paul commends.

PRAYER: “God, help me to turn my worries over to You. Every moment.”

TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 38-40, Hebrews 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.