Avenue Of Peace
"Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Insight
I feel as though this season has been slowly chipping away at my energy. Every day seems to introduce something else that wears away at our joy. Our world is in chaos with COVID, civil unrest, economic uncertainty, people fighting for justice, and don't forget it's an election year to boot.
As all of these events circle my mind daily, and I'm left continuously exhausted. I am trying to be extra cautious in public to protect my wife Denise and others; I am listening and trying to learn from my black brothers and sisters. Everything leaves me feeling as though peace is so far away. I know I am not alone with this desire for peace. We all want it.
In times of trouble, we often look to today's passage from Philippians for comfort and guidance. The author, Paul, encourages us that prayer with thanksgiving is the avenue to obtaining peace.
Many people would recognize the connection between prayer and peace because when times are chaotic and frustrating, we use prayer as our last resort. Even the most hardened of people will send up a prayer when life is so out of control. But maybe prayer is far more than the last resort. Perhaps Paul is trying to show us that a focus on constant prayer leads to a life of continuous peace.
The moments I feel peace is absent are when I do not let God in. When life takes its toll on me, I naturally put my head down and try to get the results I want, and in the way I want it. By not inviting anyone into our struggles, we are choosing to struggle alone. When the battle is real, peace seems to be far away.
God invites us to cast all of our stress, frustrations, and anxieties onto Him. What an undeserved privilege that the Creator of the universe would enter our mess. We get to bring the One who can do something with it. All of our anxieties bow to God and find a place for hope in His sovereign hands.
When we surrender our anxieties to God, we surrender to His peace. The peace God pours out is beyond understanding, meaning our brains cannot bring it down to a logical level. Operating beyond our knowledge is how God does His best work, so when it comes to our anxieties, we can trust that they no longer have dominion over us. An invitation to let God into your concerns is the invitation to have peace.
Reflection
Have you invited God into your anxieties?
When you feel anxiety rising, invite God to step in and work.
Prayer
Father, thank you for giving us access to a peace that cannot be comprehended. An invitation to find peace is an invitation to walk with You more. Help me see that You are the place where anxiety has no power, and as I grow closer to You, I find that peace. Let my life be an opportunity to reflect You to others in tough times. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today's devotional.
