Taxes, threat of terror attacks, illness and aging, finances, political conflicts, family relationships, church struggles, fears, insurance issues, air travel impositions, job loss, gasoline prices, war, injustice, death – these are just a few of the enemies most of us face daily. Yet, let me also tell you what the Lord has spoken to my soul:

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

The Lord doesn’t want us to simply possess a generalized peace, based on having no particular problems; nor does He plan to give us a slightly spiritual, yet human-sized kind of peace. If we follow the sequence of obedience He presents, His intention is to shelter us in His very own peace: the imperturbable peace of God.

The peace of God is the deep calm that envelops the thought processes of the Almighty. He is never anxious, always in command, never without a remedy. He sees the end from the beginning and views the needs of man from the position of unlimited resources and capabilities. He perceives the needs of His children with both compassion and confidence, for all things are possible for Him.

The peace He gives is not only from Him, it is an extension of Him – it is the very substance of His peace. It is God-sized peace. It is this divine fabric that He says will “guard [our] hearts and . . . minds in Christ Jesus.”
Amazing!

Many Verses Same Promise: Some may challenge my interpretation, but remember the Savior’s promise:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).

Again, Paul says: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful”  (Colossians 3:15).

These Scriptures and others reveal that there exists a place of refuge for us, a dimension guarded by God’s very peace, where we can abide. As we enter this realm of trust, the God of peace promises to actually crush Satan beneath our feet (Romans 16:20).

Give Peace A Chance

Of course, we must decide what realm shall preside over us. Thus, the Scripture says, “Let the peace of Christ rule,” and “Do not let your heart be troubled,” and “let your requests be known to God.” The word let speaks of choices we can make with realities that are at hand. Remember, even as circumstances begin to trouble your heart, you can retreat from fear. For the peace of God is also accessible. Take authority over your fretting, worrying attitude, for “it leads only to evildoing” (Psalm 37:8). Stand, instead, in faith upon the promises of God.

Peace is our shield and the Word of God our weapon. Therefore, capture negative, unbelieving thoughts that would magnify problems rather than magnify the Lord. Our Father knows what we have need of before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8).

Cease striving and know that He is God! If you are weary, come to Him and take His yoke upon you. You will find rest for your soul. Finally, recall Paul’s words to make our requests “with thanksgiving.” Many have been thinking too much and thanking too little. Therefore, let us cast our burdens upon the Lord, for He indeed cares for us. He will make a way.

by Francis Frangipane
Used by Permission

Francis Frangipane
info@frangipane.org
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Further Reading

•  Overwhelmed by Negative Feelings?
•  Fully Surrender to the Lord
•  Salvation Explained

The post He Will Make a Way appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Philippians 4:6

Not only is anxiety uncomfortable; it also leads to negative consequences. For example, reasoning becomes cloudy when permeated with worry.  So an anxious person will have trouble making wise decisions.  Fear of failure may also lead to procrastination or lack of productivity.

Apprehension can devastate personal and spiritual growth, relationships, and work. So conquering fear is important.

These four steps can help:

1. Identify The Fear. Ask yourself; What are the circumstances surrounding my feelings? What triggered them? What message am I telling myself?

2. Turn To The Lord.  Remember that God loves you and desires a close relationship with you.  He is in sovereign control of your situation, so bring your apprehension to Him.

3. Rebuke The Fear:  You have authority and power in Jesus’ name to reject what isn’t from Him.  Meditate on Scripture passages such as Matthew 10:31 and Proverbs 1:33.  Let God’s truth replace and wrong thinking.

4. Cling To Your Heavenly Father.  Take your focus off your circumstances, and look to the One who promises His help.  The Bible gives this assurance: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  (Isaiah 41:10)

Circumstances are external and often beyond your control.  But your response originates within.  It’s amazing how fears diminish in the Father’s presence.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by permission
https://www.intouch.org/

FURTHER READING

Facing a Wall of Fear?

Facing Your Problems

Quiet Courage

The post Dealing with Fear appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And don’t forget to thank Him” Philippians 4:6

In my daily devotional one day, the words of the song Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One was included. I haven’t sung that song for a long time – the words are tremendous:

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

What a wonderful reminder to take the time to think about what God is doing for us. Too often we focus just on the horrid things – the evil, the hurricanes, the floods and devastation and famine.

But take time every day to verbalize or write all you are thankful for. You may want to use this outline. Doing so will revitalize your soul.

Begin With Thanksgiving

Psalm 100:4 tells us,

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

•    Thank Him for His patience and forgiveness.
•    Thank Him for the privilege of coming into His presence.
•    Thank Him for what He has done in and through your life in the last year.

List What He Has Done

Take time to list what God has done for you. Be specific. Think through every area of your life.

• Become Still Before the Lord. (Psalm 46:10)
• Consider who God is. (Psalm 103)
• Praise Him for His attributes. (Psalm 145)
• Rejoice in your fellowship with Him and that He delights in you. (Proverbs 15:8)
• Read passages of scripture and pray them back to God. (Psalms 146-150)
•  Sing to the Lord.

Lord I thank You for the beauty of the seasons. I thank You for health and strength. I thank You for people to love and people who love me. I love You God and thank you for loving me first. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   I am Thankful for…

•   Unexpected Opportunity to be Thankful – Thankful for having cancer?  For Herb Buller, yes.

•  Salvation Explained

The post Count Your Blessings appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”  Philippians 4:6

Debora could be very stressed: she’s a wife, mother, occupational therapist, writing instructor, piano teacher, speaker, author and (deep intake of breath) tennis enthusiast.

How does Debora handle a stress-filled life like that?

Well, she doesn’t!!!  She gives it all to God!

Friend, the Bible says not to worry or be anxious, but to pray…

Tell God about your needs and thank Him.

And God’s peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ.

Debora’s acronym will help you remember:

It’s p–e-a–c–e… placing each aggravation at Christ’s feet… expectantly!

Yes, real peace is yours when you intentionally give it to god in prayer.

Give each annoyance, dilemma, and burden to God, one by one, and minute by minute.

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   Where Your Choices Can Lead You – A True Story

•   Did I Hear You Correctly Lord? – My dreams were too small for God

•   Salvation Explained

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The post Peace appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Father, teach us to rest in Your love for us. Too often we get sidetracked by the cares and the concerns of this world. We allow what we see dictate our belief, our emotions, our hope. We are so-o easily moved by the media and what is happening around us. Remind us of the need to cast our cares upon you. Remind us of the need to keep our attention on Your promises to us. Remind us to come to  You when we are worried, alone, tired, lonely, and afraid. Remind us that You are with us. You will never leave us nor forsake us. You are our hope. You are our peace. You are our shelter in the time of the storm. We trust You. We offer this prayer in Jesus name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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