And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7
A woman in a small Midwest town was angry with close family members for decades. She refused to forgive and would not acknowledge they had done her good. She became a bitter old lady who refused to be thankful for anything. Sadly, her ingratitude caused her to believe there was nothing good in her life. She could not have been more wrong! There is always something good for which to be thankful!
It would be wise to read the verse for today in conjunction with verse six: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” When things burden your spirit, you can ease your mind with prayer, seeking God’s direction and support. Gratitude for what God has provided or done in your life will win the battle over anger or anxiety.
Prayer is an offering to God – give Him your burdens, as well as your desires. The result: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding!” (Philippians 4:7). It is only through the blessings of Christ’s death and resurrection that you are able to fathom at least a small measure of the peace He gives to your heart and mind when you trust deeply and sincerely in His goodness and love for you.
Don’t let the trials of the day, a broken relationship, or difficulty at your job or school take your mind from the peace that God so willingly will give you as you take it all to Him in prayer. Include the leaders of this country in prayer, that they may have His peace as they battle the evils of the day.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
