Forty Days with God | Philippians 4:4-9
All through the Bible, we have examples of God’s promise to take care of whatever we need. Christians have been given the promise of, and the formula for, a stress free – worry free life.
- Psalms 55:22: “Cast on the Lord whatever He sends your way, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
- 1Peter 5:7: “By casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you.”
Philippians 4:6 gives another rendition of this promise. “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell you requests to God.”
When my daughter has a problem, I solve it – if she let’s me. Sometimes I give her instructions that will lead her to the answer. Sometimes I show her the answer. Depending on the situation, I may give her the pros and cons and let her figure it out. If it’s something she just can’t do on her own, I will do it for her. I’m her mother. That’s the way it is. So why is it so hard for us to let God handle our stuff? Trusting God is an act of faith.
The peace that we long for requires a faith that works. It is only by faith we are able to give all of our cares and concerns over to God. Once you let it go, and you know without a doubt it is behind you, you can enjoy that sense of joyous satisfaction that comes with knowing, “It is done.”
Verse 7 says, “God’s peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The word keep is a translation of the Greek word, phroureo (frou-reh’-o) and literally means: to be a watcher; to mount guard as a sentinel; to hem in; protect.
That’s powerful. To know God’s peace is standing guard over my heart and mind. The only word I can think of is Wow!
May 9, 2012 @ 7:02 pm
That analogy of you and your daughter makes it easier for me to understand what it’s like to have faith- real faith- in God. I’m struggling, but getting there 🙂
May 9, 2012 @ 8:57 pm
You’re in good company. Every last one of us is struggling, but hopefully -getting there.