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This morning, I woke up at 3:45 AM. My suddenly active brain began to worry about a number of things, and as hard as I tried to go back to sleep, I could not. So, finally getting up for good shortly after 5 AM, I marched downstairs and opened my laptop, hoping that by writing something, I could alleviate my symptoms of worry—a dilemma that I am certain we all deal with from time to time. Also on my mind was my dear wife, who just hours later had to undergo yet another medical test to address ongoing health issues.
Making a coffee, I stared at my blank computer screen and hoped that by doing so, something would come to me. I mumbled a few prayers to help offload my thoughts, but I still felt alone, and yes, worried. For me, typing out a devotional such as this, or writing fiction, are my forms of stress relief. And when I allow worry, or fear, or anxiety to creep into my thoughts, my therapeutic methods wane and my faith seems to take a step back. Have you ever allowed worry to destroy your sense of peace in Jesus Christ? I suspect so.
I finally said out loud, “I really need to write something, God. What have You got?” Apparently, the Lord heard, because a moment later I opened my cellphone and checked my Instagram feed, a habit to which I openly confess. The first reel to show up on my screen, I kid you not, was Philippians 4:6,7. And yes, I believe that God can speak to us through social media if He sees fit! “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 NKJV)
“Message received, Lord!”
Moments later, my fingers began to tap the keys on my keyboard, hence this devotional—a simple blueprint that not only blesses me when inspiration hits, but I am hoping, you as well. Delving further into Philippians 4:6,7, I noticed the Instagram post also said this. “Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot control. Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things only He can change. Pray. Trust. Wait. God will give you peace in your mind if you believe.”
Looking back on how my day began, I can’t help but smirk at all the times that God patiently reminds me to stop being anxious, to keep on praying with gratitude in my heart, and finally, to accept and willingly receive the peace that Jesus offers. “Sorry, Lord,” I blurted out. “I’m obviously a slow learner.”
To help prevent the unpleasantries of worrisome sleep deprivation, like me, I would like to encourage you to arm yourself with Philippians 4:6, 7. Read it over and over again, and vow to commit it to memory the next time your peace in Christ is threatened by worry and lack of trust. Most of the time we have no control over the things we fuss and stew about, so instead of worrying, give it all to God and allow Him to fight your battles.
I’ll take peace over panic any day!
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14 NKJV)
Paul Smyth
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