There are times in the life of a Christian when the flesh opens itself to worry. The mind gets filled with fear and anxiety when that happens, and the enemy robs us of peace and joy.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, The Apostle Paul wrote to those who believe in the saving grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ what to do if that happened to them. He said,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6,7
Talk about a recipe for success for worry free living, this is a big one. In one statement the Lord is telling us instead of being anxious, and worrying, to take action by petitioning the One who has authority to handle whatever it is that is causing us to be anxious. A petition is a formal request, that has been prepared and presented to the ones who can take action on our needs. But the recipe calls for another ingredient. The secret to the success of it. Paul was told to say, “Present it with thanksgiving.”
When we do this in faith, we will be at peace. When we trust the Lord to take this worry, we simply will not be worried about it because it is not in us. When the enemy comes to taunt us, we literally tell him, “Go see Jesus about it. I gave it to Him.” Paul goes on tell us instead of worry, “think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 When our mind is filled with thoughts such as these, there is no room for worry, or anxiety as we wait in expectation for the Lord to work it all out. We will be at peace as we do. We will have a peace that will transcend all understanding.
Let us live in peace. Let us live in faith in Him. We are His children. Let us Expect Him to take affirmative action on our petition, because He loves us.
Blessings and love to you, and yours, God’s Beloveds.