Today's Verse - Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What can genuinely guard our hearts? What can authentically protect our minds? Did you know God wants his peace to guard our hearts and minds? That's the apostle Paul's promise to us in this passage. If we present our requests to God, always with thanksgiving, God's peace is more significant than any explanation, it transcends our ability to comprehend it, and it will stand sentry over our hearts and minds. Do you want an example of how this is true? Look at the book of Job. All that befalls him. All that wounds him. Yet, still, he doesn't become hard of heart or go insane. What is the key to his survival? His ongoing conversation with the LORD — his open recognition of the LORD's presence. Job will not relinquish his relationship with God no matter how badly he hurts, how much he is confused, or how badly he is ridiculed. Amid all of his life's uncertainties, losses, and wounds, Job holds onto God's presence (Job 19:25-26).

My Prayer...

Father, I need you and the peace of your abiding presence. Wounds pierce my heart, but I don't want my heart to become hardened and callused. At times, my mind is so confused that I fear I may lose my rationality. Dear Father, I trust that as I cling to Jesus and speak openly with you about my life and your grace, I believe you will bless me with your peace and protect my heart and mind from destruction. Thank you, dear Father, for the reminder that even as I struggle with my troubles, I also need to thank you for all the good things you have done to bless my life in my walk with you! In Jesus' name, I pray thank you. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

—Philippians 4:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Anxiety is worrying about things that we cannot control and worrying over things that we cannot remove from our thoughts. Anxiety dominates and controls a passive mind and a troubled heart, filling both with doubt, fear, and dread. The truth is clear. Anxiety cannot be removed; it must be replaced. We replace our anxieties by giving our concerns and worries to the LORD, trusting him to care for us. Then, as we thank him for what he has done and what he is doing in our lives, we replace those concerns and worries with a genuine sense of his presence through our thanksgiving. As a result, our confidence in his future for us can return to us, leading to even more reduction of anxiety and a greater anticipation of joy.

My Prayer...

Father, I know you love me. You have done so much to bless and save me. I deliberately place the worries and concerns of my heart in your hands... (Let's each take a moment and specifically mention what burdens our hearts today and give them to the Father.) Father, I also want to thank you for the many ways you have blessed me over my life... (Let's specifically mention blessings we have received from God). Now, dear Father, please fill my heart with your Spirit and my mind with the sense of your presence and peace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

—Philippians 4:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Extravagant over-reaction! That's what we're programmed to seek and to display in our modern world of sound bytes, social media "likes," and the over-hyped cult of personality. But gentleness, the moderating grace amid chaos and conflict, is vital to bringing God's peace to conflict-laden churches, families, relationships, and our troubled world. How can we be gentle? How can we restrain from over-reacting to the wounds, offenses, and slights that come our way? The LORD is near! He is our vindication. He is our example. He is our comfort. He is our hope. He is our strength. He is near. We are not alone and our destiny, reputation, and value are not up to us others to decide. He claims us! We are his, and, he is near.

My Prayer...

O LORD, my Father God, please be ever near me as I seek to be your person of character and gentleness in the middle of the chaos and conflict around me. I ask that your presence be made known and that my character reflect that presence in all that I do and say, especially with gentleness. In Jesus' name and for his sake, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.