Gracious Father, oh how we would like to live without fear and anxiety but there is a battle for control raging within us. We confess our fleshly nature to control. We also confess how shallow and fleeting our belief can be. The results are in: we know when we attempt control or find our hope in anything but Christ alone, we are tossed about and empty; however, that is where we often find ourselves. We resort back to control and self-dependence which leads to fear and anxiety.
Your powerful word commands us to live anxiety-free. And your commands are never burdensome. If you command something, you provide the power unto fruition. You describe your peace differently than fleshly peace. It is peace that is God-derived. It is supernatural, a peace that surpasses all human understanding. This peace is one beyond circumstances. That is the peace You know we need. That is the peace we crave. That is the peace you promise.
If we were not self-consumed with worry and concern, how many hours would be made useful? How much clearer would our thinking be? How much time would we save? How much might we increase our spiritual sensitivity and care for the needs of others? Imagine the gentleness that would prevail, exuding from a heart that is peaceful, satisfied, and unshakable. This we would rejoice over! But how is it possible? We know we can’t manifest this type of peace ourselves.
Lord Jesus, thank you that we find the source of this supernatural power to free us from this wasteland of anxiety nestled right here in this passage. Four words…powerful words… “The Lord is near.” Lord Jesus, we cry out! We repent! We ask for faith. Present the full array of your glory in us. Overwhelm us with your presence, transforming us with your intimate love that leads to comfort and peace. Overwhelm us with your power leading to our security and boldness. Keep our eyes so focused on you, Lord Jesus, that our hearts and minds will be guarded with transforming peace as we present our requests before you with thanksgiving. When you, Jesus, are near, we experience no fear!
In Christ,
Blessings!
Philippians 4:4-8
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 8 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:37-39
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Christ!