Guard Your Heart

by Kelli Wong, Director of Hospitality, Human Resources, and Finance

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Paul writes in the passage above, “Do not be anxious about anything…” How can we not be anxious about our lives and our friends and family? There’s so much to worry about and so much to “figure out.” But Paul gives us clear instructions about how to deal with the things we are anxious about so that we will experience the peace of God.

“But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

We need to be intentional when we turn to God. This isn’t just a quick prayer of “God I need you to do this….” This is us praying and petitioning our Heavenly Father… with thanksgiving, as we present our requests to Him. Then…“the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul isn’t telling us that if we pray and petition with thanksgiving God is going to give us what we want. Paul is telling us that if we do these things, our hearts and minds will be guarded by the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” The troubles and challenges of the world will still exist and will always exist until Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Himself returns.

We can find purpose in this truth as we face the challenges in life, both seemingly big and small.

Reflection:

  • What are the things that are making you anxious?

  • What can you be thankful for?

  • What would it look like for the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” to guard your heart and mind?

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