Daily Devotional 07/01
Philippians 4:6-9
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Many of us face anxiety in our lives and sometimes that can be overwhelming. Paul gives us sound advice on how to live spiritual life without anxiety.
"Be careful for nothing" means do not be anxious about anything. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, it seems easier said then done. But the truth is God wants us to lean on him through our anxious feelings. Paul gives us a practical way to overcome anxiety: through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
"But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." When we feel overly anxious, the first step is to bring everything to God in prayer. Being honest and real about your feelings helps us connect to God.
Supplication means earnestly asking God for what we need, while thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for His blessings.
This combination helps shift our focus from our worries to God’s faithfulness.
Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God is a promise and verse 7 is no different. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This peace is not something we can manufacture on our own. It is a gift from God that goes above our understanding. This gift maintains and tills our hearts as well as our minds through the gospel. The number one thing to remember is that we are righteous no matter what.
Yes we may go through trials, tribulations, and anxiety but we are the precious children of God.
When we bring our concerns to God, He provides a peace that guards our hearts and minds. God has to provide the peace as well as the will to overcome our thoughts.
Verse 8 gives us practical advice on maintaining a peaceful and positive mindset: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our emotions and actions.
God wants us to focus only on the gospel as it provides the ultimate peace. We can do other things to calm ourselves but the source of our peace has to come from Jesus and his gospel.
Verse 9 doubles down on this. Everything you hear, see, and receive should be about the gospel.
Take a moment today to bring your worries and concerns to God in prayer. Be specific in your supplications and remember to thank Him for all your blessings. Reflect on what is in your mind. Are your thoughts focused on the gospel? If not, bring those thoughts to God and ask him to align them with his will.
Amen? Amen!