Peace in Stormy Seas

Ever have those times when you just feel as though you are in a boat that is constantly tossed upon wave after wave, with no end in sight? Lately, that has been me. I have felt so completely overwhelmed by all of these crazy circumstances in my life and it has caused me to become an anxious, nervous wreck.

I had been praying through Philippians 4:7, where it says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I kept wondering why that amazing peace seemed to be so consistently eluding me. I mean, come on! I am a daughter of God, I read my Bible, and strive to live in His Will for my life. And then the Lord showed me something.

In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Did you catch that? IN EVERYTHING by prayer... WITH THANKSGIVING. I need to be constantly praying in every situation of my life, with thanksgiving, regardless of the situation in my life. If I'm not doing that, how can I expect for that peace to guard my heart? I must first take a step of obedience in my prayer life if I desire the blessing of His peace.

Let me tell you, that one hit my like a freight train. So many times, I catch myself aimlessly worrying about things that are totally out of my control, when in reality, I need to be thanking Jesus that everything is within His sovereign control. And if that's the case, what do I even have to worry about, anyways?

God wants to use His children for His glory and work out His plans in us. However, we have to let Him. And if I'm spending my time wrapped up in worry, I'm wasting the time that I have on this Earth to glorify Him. I need to trust in His promises and let that be more than enough for me.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

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