Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6, 7, NKJV.
Dear Father, You realize how difficult it can be to be “anxious for nothing,” in a world where it seems as if everything is working against you. So teach us LORD, as we sit in Your presence. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
I am always blessed when I hear the stories of people like George Frederick Mueller, who it is said, cared for 10,024 orphans in his lifetime; never solicited funding, and never went into debt! It is testified, that oftentimes, just before the necessary food was needed, they would receive “unsolicited food donations.” Building several orphanages; seeing that the children who were under the care of himself and his wife received the best education possible, and travelling the world preaching the gospel; were all a part of his busy, and lengthy, life (he lived to the ripe old age of 93!). What was so outstanding abour this life, is that, according to history, it was a life free of stress; simply trusting in the LORD!
The message that is found in our Scripture for today, is found in other parts of the Bible. In Matthew 6: 25-34, Jesus admonishes us to, “take no thought for tomorrow.” In other words, do not be worried about anything! That is the first part of the message.
And then He offers a formula: “Instead, persevere in prayer in any, and all, situations, and give thanks. Then tell God what you need!” There is something empowering about giving thanks! We are encouraged to give God thanks first, then, make our requests known. When Jesus multiplied the bread and the fishes, He gave thanks, then He broke the bread and the fishes; and distributed it among the people. And we all know how God multiplied those small lunches. On one occasion, after feeding everyone who was present, there were twelve baskets of leftovers. On the other occasion, there were seven baskets of leftovers! When you give thanks, there will be more to thank God for!
Finally, the results. You will have the peace of God! A peace that is like nothing you have ever experienced will pervade your life. It is a peace that defies our understanding! In our strength, this may seem impossible. But in the strength of the LORD the formula is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
1. “Don’t worry about anything.”
2. “Under all circumstances, give thanks, and tell God what you need.”
3. “Then peace, like you have never known will fill your life.”
May God bless all of us, as we start praying God’s way, and begin to experience this heavenly peace.