DAY 26 Encouragement

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.    Philippians 4:6

I tend to be an anxious person.  When it comes to things that I think are very important, I can't help but spend a lot of time thinking about them.  Of course, I pray about them.  Actually, I think I pray about them a lot, but I can still have a tendency to be anxious.  My thoughts go round and round the same course until I finally just wear that course bare.  So, I know that I tend to "think about " my problems or circumstances more than I "pray about" them.  Do you know what I mean?  Truly, I spend way to much time "thinking" and not enough time "praying."

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.    Philippians 4:7

I know that if I was truly "praying" like I should that PEACE would guard my heart and anxiety wouldn't rule.  Of course, I pray.  Yet, I must be more focused when it comes to prayer.  I must not only "think" on my circumstances and "ask" for answers, but I must allow God to strengthen me in my soul and encourage me with the assurance that He hears and He will answer.  I believe that my anxiety can arise when I'm not totally convinced that He hears me, or that He will answer me, or that I'm worthy to be heard or answered.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].    Hebrews 4:16

He loves us!  We are counted worthy because of Jesus Christ!  He hears us, and He will answer us and bring us help, a solution to every problem we face!  I want to live a life free from anxiety.  It's just not worth it because in the end, I have to trust Him anyway.  I am at that place, as were the disciples, when Jesus asked them if they were going to leave Him.  Their answer, "Where would we go? You are the one Who has the words of life."

He is my Life!  I live my life to honor Him, to glorify Him, to point people to Him!  I'm not perfect, that's for sure, but He's still the reason I do what I do.  Now, surely I can trust Him with any issues, circumstances, or situations in my life that are really important?  Really!  I want to leave anxiety behind, and live in His peace!  He is my PEACE!

I want to exhort you to seek PEACE!  Take ALL of your cares, concerns, and anxious thoughts to Him, and trust Him to take care of you and them!

Scriptures for reference and study: John 6:67-68