“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7
Heavenly Father, if we didn’t know you and the riches of your grace, this passage would feel like a simplistic formula that mocks our sensibilities. But you don’t give us recipes for failure and shame; you give us yourself. Hallelujah and thank you. You bid us come daily to the throne of grace where you give us fresh mercies, need-shaped grace, and living hope.
Three Needs: Abba, we need an unobstructed view of King Jesus occupying the throne of heaven, actively working in all things and reigning over all things (Rev.4:1-3). We want to hear the Holy Spirit’s witness to our belovedness louder than any other voice, noise, and sound (Rm.8:16). We ask you to gentle, center, and fill our hearts as we enjoy your welcome, hear your laugh (Ps.2), and rest in your love.
Fresh Gratitude: That’s easy, Father. You have given Jesus to us as our Immanuel, and you have given him for us as our perfect Savior. And wonder of wonders—you have given us to Jesus. He is our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption”—our active Advocate, ruling King, returning Bridegroom. Abba, you have already done and do way beyond all we can ask or imagine.
Your Promise—Peace-Guarded Hearts and Minds: Yes, Abba—a double portion, please. It’s hard down here right now. Big “W” War and little “w” wars are wearing us out. People we love are struggling. We keep bumping into our finiteness and weaknesses. So yes, Abba, a fresh “baptism” (immersion, not sprinkling) in your passing-all-understanding-peace will be most appreciated. So Very Amen.
