Stephan Hoffman

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 4:6-7

We are sometimes so overwhelmed by the anxieties of life that we become discouraged. The irony is that most of the time, we can’t do anything or change anything about things we worry about. Yes, we have a responsibility to work and to live to the best of our ability, but worrying about things only brings stress and illness, never anything good.

Paul teaches us to go to God with those things that keep us awake at night and give us ulcers. God knows exactly what your circumstances are, he knows your challenges and he knows your sins. You can go to him and pour out your heart before him. You can go to God in prayer and petition at anytime. You can talk to God about your needs, but also share your dreams and joys gratefully with him.

The great promise is that you will experience something of the true peace that surpasses all understanding. When you have honestly poured out your heart before God, or sincerely taken your needs to him, you are free of unnecessary concern. You realise that the world does not rest on your shoulders, but on God's. It is as if the peace of Jesus Christ guards the door of your heart and keeps out the unnecessary worry with his love and care.

Let's go and be still in God's presence for a while. Today, give yourself the opportunity to open your heart honestly and sincerely before God. You are guaranteed a kind of peace that you will not find anywhere else. This is the kind of peace that people seek when they pursue money, power or pleasure, but you can only find it with God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that I can open my heart before you. You know my situation and my thoughts. You know the things that eat me up inside. Please will you stand guard at the door of my heart and cover my mind with your miraculous peace.  Amen