Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me? What jumps out at me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible because it gives me a sense of peace.
Sometimes (and maybe more often than I’d like to admit) I can be very negative, and not have a very positive attitude about things — whether it is about myself, others, or a situation. Sometimes I think I’m not good enough. I question why God blesses me when others are more deserving, or I talk negatively about others and come across as if I think I am the most righteous and perfect person. When I do these things, I don’t feel good about myself, and it brings me down even more. When I fill myself up with these things, the peace of God seems to be even farther away.
I love the message of today’s passage, because I know when I fill my heart, mind, and spirit with praises to God, and as I live my life as a prayer and praise to God, the peace of God consumes me. When I replace the negative with praise, when I lift up those around me for the blessings and gifts God has given them, and I accept that God has created me for a purpose, I can replace the worry and negative attitudes in my life with a peace of God that surrounds me and fills me.
From verses 6 and 7: The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Thought for the day: Are you allowing yourself to live in the peace of God?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.