Paul noticed that the Philippians were stressing out over the issues in their life. Having a relationship with God that transcended the natural, human realm of life, he was incredulous at their lack of faith. He told them to stop worrying and to pray about everything instead.
Paul instructed them that if they cried out to God in their traumatic issues, He would give them His peace, which would calm them and direct them through every trial (Philippians 4:6-7). God’s peace is with us in every lost relationship, homelessness, floods, fires, storms, and disasters common to mankind.
We do not have anything to fear with God dwelling within us (Isaiah 43:2). We can run to God, who is our refuge. He strengthens us in our times of trouble. There is no reason to allow fear to strangle the life right out of us.
Even if the earth is altered all around us, even if the city or mountains slide down into the sea, He is with us (Psalm 46:1-2). He is our stronghold in any and every situation (Psalm 46:7). Our Father God watches over us as He waits for us in the glories of Heaven.
Yet, the rougher life treats us, the more we attempt to attack it in our own strength and with our human wisdom, even though God’s Spirit is waiting to escort us through it victoriously. God carries us through the hard times.
He is always with us through the loss of our loved ones, physical tragedies, and financial ruin. He is even with us as we walk through the veil of death. Therefore, we fear no evil, His rod and His staff comfort us, and His angels escort us to His throne when our life on this globe is over (Psalm 23:4; Luke 6:22).
Paul teaches us that peace is always available to God's people no matter what situation faces us. If we would just change our focus from the disruptive event to the God of peace within us, we could reduce our stress level, abide in His peace, and enjoy the strength offered to us through His joy (Isaiah 26:3, 9:6).
Prayer:
Father God, You are in control of every aspect of our life. When we experienced mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical anguish, You care about each issue, and You have a perfect plan to work out everything for our eventual good (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11). Remind us to stop facing trials alone, but to come to You instead. We can run to You for comfort, strength, wisdom, and guidance (Proverbs 18:10).
If we allow You to protect us from within us, You willingly take part in all our circumstances. Your presence reminds us that each new moment is an adventure with You. This way we can face life with confidence and faith in Your faithfulness, and we are able to live each moment in Your victory. Remind us to greet each new day with the consciousness that we are dead, and our life is hidden in You with Christ, who is our whole life (Colossians 3:3-4).
Thought for the Day:
God is waiting for us to call on Him because He always hears us; therefore, we do not need to hesitate to lay down our life to Him with each new morning and to surrender our plans, will, goals and dreams to Him as we follow His leadership and anointing for each moment of the day.
- Jeremiah 33:3
