Tag: pray don’t worry
Day 2–Pray–Don’t Worry
Scripture reading for April 14: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul was writing to a supporting church from prison in Rome. He was awaiting a verdict that would determine whether he lived or was executed. He knew that the believers would be distressed because of his circumstances and that they also faced possible arrest and execution. He wrote to instruct them and to show them how to cope with daily stress and temptations to worry. His instructions are simple and helpful to all of us in the responder community.
Again we are encouraged to rejoice in the midst of difficulties and troubles. In fact, Paul states it twice for emphasis! He then tells them to let their reasonableness be known to all. When we are secure in Christ Jesus through faith and relationship, it is reasonable to rest in joy and confidence that God is in control. It is our choice to rejoice and to pray with thanksgiving recognizing that God is near to us and with us.
We are also instructed not to worry but to pray about all our fears and needs. When we pray, we should pray in faith that God will answer and even thank Him in advance for hearing and providing. When we cast our cares on the Lord we are to leave them there. In place of our cares and fears, God’s peace will come over us and guard our hearts and minds from worry and fear. We do our part by refocusing our thought life on what is good, lovely and perfect. We also set an example for other believers that helps everyone. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Prayer: Father, thank You for this simple instruction for Your children to live in peace and not fear or anxiety. Help me to practice this and be the example You desire for others and those You send me to help. Thank You for hearing and answering! I will meditate on Your goodness and grace. Amen.
Rejoicing in The Lord!
Scripture reading for March 15th: 1 Samuel 2-5
Key Scriptures: 1st Samuel 1:27-28-2:2 “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” . . .”Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one beside You; . . .”
Hannah was barren and she sought the Lord for a son. She promised to give the son to the Lord for His service and dedicate him as a Nazirite. God heard her prayer and she followed through by bringing the child to the priest Eli. As she released her son to God’s service, she worshiped with a song of rejoicing!
Rejoicing in the Lord: God is faithful and hears and answers prayer! We also can rejoice in the Lord for who He is! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” (Philippians 4:4-6)