TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Listen: Philippians 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
“Don’t be anxious.” Paul’s instruction almost seems harsh or aloof. He knows what the Philippian Jesus-followers are up against. He understands their dire financial situation and the unfriendly political climate. He tells them not to be anxious but to talk to God about it.
It seems too simple. But, Paul knows if they pray about it, God’s peace can come and guard their hearts.
Paul can appreciate a good guard (as he is currently chained to a Roman guard). Paul has experienced God’s peace guarding his heart through difficult situations. When Paul says to pray, he understands prayer can provide peace because of who God is.
Praying will not help if we view God as aloof or indifferent. When we believe God is concerned about us and wants to hear about our needs, taking our problems to him can bring peace. It all depends on how we view God and whether we trust him.
As Senior Pastor Jeff Manion reminds us in this clip below, peace here is rooted in the trust of God. The second heart decision we are to make is to ask God for help. This decision will lead to peace and joy when we trust God. Like the best parent, God is concerned about us and on our side (1 Peter 5:7). He wants the best for us, so he wants to hear from us. Through prayer, peace replaces anxiety.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Today, consider how you view God. Does your view of God lend you to trusting him or do you have a hard time trusting? To begin making the decision to ask God for help, write a prayer of help in your journal on page 46. Express to God what you are really feeling. Confess you are worried about it. Ask him to do something about it. Tell him you trust him no matter what happens.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
