Scripture text for Thursday, April 29th, 2010: Philippians 4:2-4:9
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When I first agreed to write a devotional, I asked Pastor Dan to give me a passage I could work to develop while I was spending a weekend with my “bff’s.” God was certainly in control of which passage was to be assigned, Philippians 4:2-9. This passage includes the first scripture I memorized after committing my life to Jesus Christ, Phil. 4:6-7. You see, I spent the last weekend with a dear friend from Lafayette, meeting up with another dear friend who happens to be the one who led me to a relationship with Christ. This friend long ago began challenging me to memorize scripture, take all my trials to the Lord, and give thanks for all things in the name of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6 directs us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication…” (NASV) God’s word tells us not to worry, but to turn any potential worries into prayers—to depend on God for everything. Our responsibilities include praying about those anxieties and believing God can take care of them. Next, in verse 6, we are told “…with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.” (NASV) We are to be thankful for everything, not just the blessings, but the trials as well. This is a concept I was blessed to learn very early in my Christian walk. Being thankful for everything has carried me throughout family health issues and has fortified me in the fires of raising three children.
Finally, in Philippians 4:7, we are promised peace. During a particularly difficult time while parenting our older children through their teenage years, my oldest daughter asked me why I wasn’t depressed. I stopped and thought. I had no answer -- except to give God the glory for the peace in my heart. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASV)
Lord, I ask today for the peace that comes from committing every aspect of my life to You and Your plan for my life.
Amen
Devotion prepared by Rebecca Springs
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