Real Peace ( Philippians 4:6-7 )

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How often is it people only pray when things really get bad? I mean they wait it seems to the last moment. In this passage I love how the Apostle Paul writes be careful for nothing, but in everything. Another words instead of waiting till things really get bad or only praying about bad situations, pray about everything. I mean doesn't it make sense that we would want God involved in all aspects of our lives. What has become and continues to get beautiful is my prayer life. Even though I know He knows my needs I still make my requests to God. Some would ask why? Well, it is trust. Trusting that He will handle it and that I know He is concerned with every aspect of my life, not just the big issues of my life. Beautiful isn't it to know the same God who created this world is concerned about the individual. God loves His own and will take care of them. Now this doesn't by no means life is all lollipops and sunshine. Sometimes life will be tough, but praise God He will be with us every step of the way.

Another thing I love in this verse is that it states when you come in prayer to God about your requests that you come with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not as most when they see it think more about eating some turkey and spending time with the family or getting a deal at a store. No thanksgiving is showing gratitude. Granted the origin of the holiday thanksgiving was the pilgrims being thankful, sadly I believe our modern celebration is just another day on the calendar. Instead when we go to God in prayer we should be thanking Him for all the things He has done for us; past,present, and to come. Thanking Him for His goodness and honestly the list really could go on. The truth is prayer is not about making a wish of hey God I want this, this and this. Instead be real with God and bring to Him your needs, not your wants. Believe me there is a difference.

The next verse is such a beautiful passage in scripture. A peace that passes all understanding. Amazing is the peace we have from our Lord Jesus Christ. It was this very peace that got me through last year with my grandmother being in and out of the hospital and her nearly dying. When your going through trials and despite how you should feel the peace you feel is indescribable, except you could say your soul is at rest despite how crazy the situation your going through. The world can't give you this peace, not in their self help books, their Dr. Phils, Oprahs, or any other material or human way. This peace comes alone through our Lord Jesus Christ. I love how he writes it shall keep your heart and mind. Friends today people will say follow your heart or trust in your intellect. This peace shall keep them both at rest so that you may walk in truth not guided by them,but by the Word. Like I spoke on the other night we can not trust our hearts or mind they will lead us astray, but instead we must lead them by being lead by God's Word. With His peace through His truth we can be assured that we are not walking on our own whims or thoughts, but instead trusting in our Shepherd to lead us by still waters( Psalm 23:2 ).

Brothers and sisters I encourage you to make your requests known to the Father. Be thankful for what He has, is and continues to do in your life. Above all ask that His will be done. God knows our very needs far above what we do. So go before Him with confidence bringing before Him needs, not wants. That may sound harsh, but friends think about it does what you want outside your need going to bring His name glory?

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><