Focus
Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.
Read
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Reflect
When I worked at a local restaurant years ago I enjoyed greeting a regular customer who always had a smile on their face. When asked how they were doing they would always respond, “Better than I deserve!”
And they meant it.
My customer’s life situation may have not been so great. They may have been having physical, emotional, relationship, or other challenges. However, they always responded, “Better than I deserve!” They were not in denial, lying, nor a crazy optimist. They considered themselves truly Blessed.
I have kept that wonderful, vivid memory in my heart all these years because they were the perfect example of the Peace that passes all understanding, just as the Apostle Paul states in today’s passage.
It is very difficult to rejoice and worry at the same time, isn’t it? Paul declares for us to rejoice and to not be anxious about anything. With everything that is going on in the world today and in our own lives this can be challenging; however, if you step forward in faith you can find rejoicing and peace in the Prince of Peace, our Savior, Christ Jesus.
Pray
Perfect Father, we thank You for the peace that You make available to us through Jesus Your Son. May we apply that peace not only in our own lives but make it clearly shown to others in our journey. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
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