Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Trust in the Providence of God
Philippians 4: 4-84 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
How can I rejoice when I’m anxious? How can I have peace when my life is so chaotic? These are two questions I have often asked God while I go through difficult seasons.
Sometimes our lives are too much to handle. We may be consumed with the stresses of the moment to stop and look to God. We may doubt that there is someone who understands what we are going through. We may ignore ways to pursue God because sometimes it's just too hard. While we may have all these things stopping us from living a peaceful life where we can rejoice, one thing to remember is that there is someone who is worthy of our pursuit. There is a mighty counselor who fights for us, wipes our tears, listens to us and most of all loves every single part of us. We believe in a mighty God who is worthy of our complete trust. While there are many things that don't make sense… God does.
So how can I pursue God? It's simple really…start by learning who He is. When we grow in the Word, we learn about the power received from trusting in our mighty Father. Another way to seek Him is through prayer. Prayer is the best way to communicate with our Father. Whether done alone in your room or with your people, prayer allows your heart and mind to verbally ask for God's presence, peace and grace to cover you. Sometimes all it takes is that one step in trusting that God will take care of you. The burdens you carry are already known to the Father, but there is power when you choose to pursue him despite the disappointments or struggles of our lives. So, let's take that step. Can it be nerve-wracking? Yes! But here's a spoiler…God will ALWAYS provide, protect, and keep his promises. So, trust and believe that God has a purpose for you, his wonderfully created child. It's worth it!
Sometimes our lives are too much to handle. We may be consumed with the stresses of the moment to stop and look to God. We may doubt that there is someone who understands what we are going through. We may ignore ways to pursue God because sometimes it's just too hard. While we may have all these things stopping us from living a peaceful life where we can rejoice, one thing to remember is that there is someone who is worthy of our pursuit. There is a mighty counselor who fights for us, wipes our tears, listens to us and most of all loves every single part of us. We believe in a mighty God who is worthy of our complete trust. While there are many things that don't make sense… God does.
So how can I pursue God? It's simple really…start by learning who He is. When we grow in the Word, we learn about the power received from trusting in our mighty Father. Another way to seek Him is through prayer. Prayer is the best way to communicate with our Father. Whether done alone in your room or with your people, prayer allows your heart and mind to verbally ask for God's presence, peace and grace to cover you. Sometimes all it takes is that one step in trusting that God will take care of you. The burdens you carry are already known to the Father, but there is power when you choose to pursue him despite the disappointments or struggles of our lives. So, let's take that step. Can it be nerve-wracking? Yes! But here's a spoiler…God will ALWAYS provide, protect, and keep his promises. So, trust and believe that God has a purpose for you, his wonderfully created child. It's worth it!
Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for your peace that goes beyond our understanding. I pray that your presence will continue to fill my heart and mind completely so that no matter what storms come my way I can pursue you first. Thank you for watching over me during this season. I pray that whatever comes my way I will be able to trust in you completely. Amen
Thank you for your peace that goes beyond our understanding. I pray that your presence will continue to fill my heart and mind completely so that no matter what storms come my way I can pursue you first. Thank you for watching over me during this season. I pray that whatever comes my way I will be able to trust in you completely. Amen
Lisa Skaria
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island