Monday, November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

Philippians 4.6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The meaning of prayer is that we get hold of God, not of the answer.*
Worry. We’ve all done it. And we know it’s futile. There is no power in worry. Worry has never fixed anything. But when we are helpless to do anything, we seem to think that we are being irresponsible if we don’t at least worry about it!

Paul offers us a prescription for curing worry. He doesn’t just order us to be anxious about nothing and expect us to figure out how to accomplish it. He says we are to tell God what we want. He doesn’t say “Figure out what you need then ask God for it.” He directs us not to be afraid to tell God what we want.
 
And how are we supposed to do that? By prayer, of course. And petition – which is just a stronger term for prayer. And wash it all down with a healthy dose of thankfulness. Not just to move us to an “attitude of gratitude” but to remind us of God’s faithfulness. When we start listing all the ways that God has blessed us – not just in providing for our needs but in giving us abundant life – how can we not trust that he will continue to see to the details of our lives?
 
Letting God take charge does not make our problems go away – but how much of a problem is it if we don’t have to carry it around with us anymore? How much of a problem is it when we can claim the promise in the next verse?  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4.7)
You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation.You let go and let God work.*

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