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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Is there really something as simple as one key to unlock the door to peace? How can we genuinely be at peace when the battle rages around us? Can calm truly replace chaos? Paul gives us that key in our focal verse – thankfulness.
Paul wrote, “Let your requests be made known to God.” God expects us to cry out to Him in the midst of turmoil. Throughout Scripture, He commands it. We should hit our knees as soon as we spot trouble. Pray, don’t protest. Pray, and there will be no need to panic. We insert the key when we pray, but we turn the key when we give thanks.
God desires grateful hearts beating to the rhythm of peace rather than the anxious pitter-patter we often experience. It’s impossible to express thankfulness and be worried at the same time. It’s impossible to possess gratitude and fear in the same breath.
With eyes focused on God and minds concentrating on His goodness, we can override our angsts through prayer.
I recall a night with EMTs working on my husband in our home. I barely recognized myself. God bathed me in tranquility. That very same incomprehensible peace followed me to the hospital and for the days to follow. My husband was OK, but the other miracle was I had remained content.
Prayer is the channel through which peace flows. Have you noticed how panic scatters when we pray? When we begin praising God with thankful hearts, the river of peace begins to flow deep into our souls.
Whether it’s the strain of an emergency, a broken heart, or the pressure-cooker of life, thankfulness will open the flood gates of serenity. A sensation unknown to man, because the peace belongs to Jesus.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Only Christians can partake of supernatural harmony. As it seeps in, it forms a protective shell around our hearts and minds guarding them from any attempt of the enemy to steal our peace. Guard connotes military soldiers on duty. Consider it the Christian’s form of secret service.
Are you ready to unlock that door today? When we approach a door, a welcome mat usually greets us. The purpose of the doormat isn’t merely a friendly gesture. That doormat exists so we can wipe our feet. At the doorstep of peace, we must wipe off all doubt. Complete trust in God to control our uncontrollable is vital. It’s almost impossible for peace to be effective if we can’t confidently walk through that door, knowing God’s got this.
You have the key. You stand at the door. God bids you to enter.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for saving us, for Jesus Christ, and Your awesome love. WE thank You for controlling our world, so we can rest assured that You have our best in mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Hiking the trail
Today as you pray, try to avoid making any requests. Just thank God for everything you are grateful for.
Today’s devotional is from Overcoming the Overwhelming … a 30-day devotional coming in 2020.
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Originally posted on September 23, 2020 @ 5:45 pm