Friday, May 1
Wrapped in Peace
Philippians 4
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Every now and then, a story will come across the news about someone who has lived to reach an extended age, well past 99, and is still vibrant and full of energy. The reporter will go into the home or care facility to interview the person who will inevitably say they owe their health to something like five pieces of bacon and a glass of whiskey every morning, a bowl of ice cream every night, and never exercising.
These stories always baffle us because we are told by medical professionals to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and only imbibe in sweets and alcohol on occasion. And of course, for most of us, that is the best advice.
None of us want to be sick. We don’t want to face illness, disease, or encounter disabilities. But no matter what we do to take care of our body, we will all, at some point in our life, deal with a health challenge of the body or soul. Because we live in a fallen world, one that has the fingerprint of sin everywhere, we will all be forced to deal with an ailment that drives us to call out to God for healing.
We are walking together through a season right now where it can feel like sickness and germs are lurking around every corner and that can cause us to live with fear. And as we slowly begin to emerge from our quarantine and enter back into gathering in groups and with loved ones, those fears can creep in and cause us to feel anxiety.
It is now, more than ever, that we must turn our fears over to God, our Father, who loves us dearly. We are his children; His creation. When we ask Him to take our fear, He will wrap our hearts with a peace that passes all understanding.
Prayer:
Lord, I bring my fear and worry to you today, trusting you will fill me with your perfect peace. I am so thankful for your love and faithfulness because I know you will never leave my side. Protect my body, mind, and soul, God. Help me to be filled with wisdom so as to make choices to keep myself and those around me healthy. I won’t live in fear with you guiding my path, Father God.
