Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
People are often weighed down by their past or anxious about their future, preventing them from fully living in the present. That’s why God-centered thanksgiving for our past and future is important. It helps us to see our lives being centered on God by God so that we can fully live. Everything revolves around ‘The Lord is near’ in verse 5, both spatially and temporally. God’s mighty power and grace are wrapped up in his very presence in the present. Thus, thanksgiving centers on interacting with him and not inward thinking or emotions. Praying is not about what we get as the passage implies with thanksgiving happening before our requests are answered; instead, praying with thanksgiving acknowledges how we belong to God and need more of him.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you know us and love us. We bring all our concerns to you and ask for your presence that brings peace today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s worship with “Yes And Amen” by Jesus Culture (click here).
– JH