PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks-giving, present your requests to God.

TO PONDER

These words are, to me, a contrast to the previous devotions this week where boldness in various situations is desirable. I have, at times, chosen to back away or try to avoid a situation because of my feelings of inadequacy or because I was just too plain scared, but then I fret because I was such a wuss.              

Today’s verse is another way we can share it all with God - prayer, petition, and thanksgiving - they are beautiful, comforting words and should be part of our everyday life.  When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he made dialogue between God and us possible. We can tell him our worries and ask his help in situations when we don’t know what to do or how to act. We share our joys and give thanks for all his goodness to us, his love, grace, and forgiveness, and yes, we should ask him for the strength to be bold and tell these things to everyone and how they affect us now and our hope into the future.

Prayer:   What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!                                                                                                 What a privilege to carry every thing to God in prayer.                                                                                                                                                                                                          Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear,                                                                                                                                                                                                   All because we do not carry every thing to God in Prayer.              

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle