While reading through Philippians I discovered this nifty little formula. Maybe you’ve already discovered it but it seemed new to me this time reading through.
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
See the formula? Prayer + Thanksgiving= Peace in our heart and mind
I think the reason this is so significant to me right now is because I have joined another blog in making an effort to create a peaceful home. Surely every time we try to make this kind of change all manner of unpeacefulness erupts!
We have loud days and quiet days, days when I’m yelling too much or not enough, days when I’ve let the cares of the world press in and effect me. But I struggle more with being peaceful on the inside. I’m not concerned about my salvation or walk with the Lord, but I do get bogged down with worry about my children and my husband. Wondering if I’m doing right by them: am I helping them, am I loving them, am I trying hard enough. This formula is a balm to my soul!
Clearly, the key isn’t just to pray though, it’s to pray with Thanksgiving! Sometimes it’s hard to find things to be thankful for isn’t it? Sometimes life just stinks. And I’ve realized that finding something to be thankful for, even if it’s just something silly, changes my focus from the things that are worrying me, onto the Lord who has covered and supplied ALL-MY-NEEDS! Which is why Paul goes on to say:
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Oh Father, thank you for making your word so clear! Thank you for this simple formula that can transform a heart full of worry and care into a heart over-flowing with peace and contentment. You know how we are prone to worry, especially us mommy’s, you know how desperately we want to do right by you and our family’s. Help us to keep our souls full of thankfulness, our lips full of prayers, and in return you give us hearts and minds full of peace that we can’t even begin to understand or explain.
4 comments:
Thank you for this! Just what I needed to hear this morning! : )
Your post reminded me of a wonderful old hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus:
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Thanks for that reminder!
Thanks for sharing. I am always encouraged by your writing and find that the principle of giving thanks in every circumstance really is the best way to live.
Megan
God's touch is truly all over this post.
I've been feeling anxious and too concerned with the "world" lately. After getting back home from church this afternoon, I reread this exact verse that is printed on a post-it note on my bathroom wall. I had the same thought...I need to pray with thanksgiving; I have so much more than I deserve and I know God will listen to me no matter how trivial I think my problems are.
Thank you!!
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