PEACE COMES FROM GIVING THANKS
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, ESV
Theme: Whether or not God gives you a supernatural sign, when you pray with thanksgiving and requests, He will always provide peace through Jesus.
ATTITUDE FOCUS
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life” (Matthew 6:27, ESV)? Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that our God promises to supply. Worry and anxiety are often triggered by tricks of the devil. When we allow them into our thoughts, we lose focus on God. Worry immobilizes us, while genuine concern moves us to action.
In today’s scripture, Paul - inspired by the Holy Spirit - asks us to take it to God in prayer because His peace can shadow all anxiety. Paul tells us to supplicate praying with thanksgiving, in order to refocus our attitude. This gratitude can free us from our own anxieties. Giving thanks is good for mental health, and honoring to the One who supplies all our needs. Even though we are praying not to overcome anxiety, but to give thanks, reduced anxiety and worry is often a result of our earnest prayers. The peace that surpasses all understanding, that comes through our thanksgivings, is the fruit of the prayer itself. As we pray His peace becomes more than just the absence of anxiety. His is the peace that guards our hearts.
CONTENTMENT
Paul knew the secret of being content. He knew that God was sufficient, and by doing “all things through Christ,” (Philippians 4:13) he could be “content in every situation," (Philippians 4:11) and we know a lot of Paul’s situations were not the best. He prayed to be reminded he was not alone. God has entrusted Paul, and us, with His words. Our God is the same God that was a comfort to Paul. He has always been near and at hand (Philippians 4:5).
Contentment can be elusive because our culture is obsessed with going after more no matter how much we already have. Jesus didn't live that way. He was content in His circumstances even when they weren't ideal. Praying can help greatly with the weight of discontent. Give thanks for that which He has blessed us. Be content with the role in your life. Be content with your relationships. Be content with your riches. Some, who have roles, riches and relationships are not satisfied with what they have. To them, more is better. But is it? Mental health is a big problem today, and our God knows how to tackle this. If you need help getting started, our Bible is full of prayers including the 150 Psalms that can be recited or sung.
Make it Personal: Sharing a prayer with another reminds us that we are not alone. When we pray aloud, in the presence of others, we are vulnerable to one another, but answers come through this sharing. We are not alone with our inner anxieties. Being involved in GriefShare instilled within me many healing opportunities, and our prayers were central to our healing. Giving thanks to our LORD provided an understanding that gave me that peace for what our Lord has provided. He provides all our needs. I invite you to share prayer aloud and requests with your fellow Christians. Life Groups, Prayer Teams, group activities, and the weekend service. Inside and outside of the building, God provides opportunities that help us to build thanksgiving and contentment.
Pray: Almighty Father, We pray with thanksgiving, for all you have graced us with, through prayer and peace we ask that you show us how to move farther away from our anxieties. We understand that You are the Provider of peace within our hearts. You supply every need. We can do all things LORD, through You who strengthens us. Thank You, LORD, for Your loving provision of peace as we express our sincere gratitude. Sincere thanksgiving will always precede the absolute peace that comes through Your Son, our Lord and Savior; Christ Jesus. Amen
Read: Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:4-13, 19
Weekly Memory Verse: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;” (Psalms 16:11a, NLT)