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No Worries, Be Happy!
John TiltonPhilippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
These well-known and recited scriptures site a common predisposition of many people to indeed worry and be anxious about matters of importance. Yet, the word is so peace bringing and encouraging that if we do seek the Lord in such matters of importance with faith, it is through our prayers and petition, and expressed gratitude, which by the way confirms our faith; that peace that goes beyond our understanding will fall upon us. It is then that our hearts and minds will be quelled because of His peace manifested in our actions.
Don't’ be anxious? I am always anxious! Its part of my nature to be a worrywart. For most of my life, being anxious and intently mindful of matters is what has driven me to be intentional and proactive. In the past, I’ve thought of it as being a trait that wouldn’t let me get lapse and lazy. However, it sure added stress and pressure to my life. I’ve heard that stress and pressure can age you and is bad for your health. Maybe that's how my gray hair came on at 50. I have in fact given major matters up to the Lord in prayer … yet, I’ve usually continued to be anxious and worry. With more on my plate now days, I do indeed need to manifest these scriptures into my DNA so that I will in fact be able to rest in God’s peace. I must stand on the truth that He will bring matters to fruition of which I am pursuing and that He will open and close the right doors, guide me in the direction I am to travel, and give me the words, wisdom and rational to make the best decisions.
Dear Lord, thank you for such an integral reminder in my relationship with you, that you do indeed care for me and the plans that you have for me; and that you await my reaching out to you in pray and petition to lead, guide and fulfill your plans and call on my life in all that I do. May I always be cognizant of your word to connect my heart and mind to rest in your word, understanding, peace, faithfulness and goodness.
