Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” vs. 6
Philippians 4:6-7
One of the side-effects of living a joyous life is the absence of anxiety and worry. Some might question whether this is even a possibility given the current state of tension and uncertainty, but for Paul it’s a natural consequence of basking in the grace of God. In such a state, totally trusting in the love and the goodness of God, we learn to use prayer to take any kind of intruding concerns to God as soon as they show up on our radar. Of course, this is entirely different from making Christmas lists and sending them off to family members. That’s an Advent activity that would have been entirely foreign to Paul. Those who make such lists are relatively certain they are going to get everything they ask for. That’s not the case with prayer requests. Taking things to God in prayer is a way for us to separate out the things we can’t control from those we can. Some of the blips that show up in daily living are a big nuisance, but we can take care of them. But the things we can’t control are another matter–and those are the matters we take to God in prayer. Wise people know the difference, and also know the amazing serenity that comes in the process. It’s the peace that passes human understanding!
Thought for the Day: How do I deal with anxiety?
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