got peace?

During our time of worship in song in church this morning, the Lord spoke to my heart. I’ve been anxious about something that could happen, something that might be happening (without me knowing it for sure). The "what if’s" were making me sleepless during the night. While we were in praise, the verse about "peace that passes understanding" drifted into my mind, and it seemed as if God were asking me, "Do you really want that kind of peace?"

Well, of course, I want it. Who doesn’t want it?

I sat and opened my Bible to Philippians 4 and read these verses:

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Will you look at that? The Bible gives me clear instructions on how to get that peace that is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. It says, If you do this… If I do what?

#1 Pray about everything instead of worrying about it. Pray about it. Give it up. Take it to the Lord. Every time I think of it, skip the anxiety and worry and go straight to prayer. Father, here I am again. I’m worried about ______. Please help me know what to do. I haven’t the wisdom without You. You are the sovereign God. Nothing enters my life that isn’t filtered through Your loving hands. If it be Your will, change the circumstances. If changing the circumstances isn’t Your will, Lord, change me.

#2 Thank God for all that He has done. What has He done in my life? Thousands of things. He loves me. He saved me and set me free. He provides for me daily. He has given me health and the ability to make a living. He placed me in a wonderful, loving family. I have an abundance of friends. And so much more!

Want peace? Prayer + thanksgiving = perfect peace.

-rlh-