“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
He listened with disbelief and profound shock as his little girl described where a neighbor had touched her. Waves of anger and fear washed over him. How could someone do this? What would be the impact on his little girl? How could God allow this to happen?
Anxious thoughts multiplied and multiplied! How could the God he was trying to serve allow this? Perplexed and angry, this father cried out to God. As he prayed, God brought to his mind a picture of the cross. It was as if God said,
“This is how much I love you and your daughter. I proved beyond doubt by sending my Son to die. I declared my love on the cross and nothing has changed.”
This moment, God’s reassurance of his love, gave this father a peace that could only come from God himself. Impossible from a human perspective.
As he prays, expressing his deep sadness and anxious thoughts about the possible impact on his daughter’s life, he took an amazing step. He thanks God for what God would do to heal and protect his little girl. He openly declares that the deep assurance of God’s love has replaced fear with hope and has protected his heart from bitterness and despair. The anxious thoughts have been captured by an overwhelming confidence in the demonstrated love of God through the cross.
God, thank you for the profound message of the cross! You declared your love. It is undeniable, you love me. I know you are aware of my fears and anger with the difficult and hurtful circumstances around me. Thank you. I embrace your love and your presence with me. The cross compels me to trust you. Amen.
Are you confident of God’s love? Are there anxious thoughts about life, your future, the future of someone you love? Take a trip to the cross. What is God saying to you?
By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• God Is…
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