Wednesday, December 13: Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NRSV)

Three years ago, my life was turned upside down and many life-changing experiences happened in a short period of time. The Lord called my husband home after almost forty-one years of marriage. Suddenly I was alone and not sure about anything except I trusted my Lord. He gave me a calmness and an inner peace. I knew He was holding me while I made the decision to sell my home and move closer to my family. My home sold within days, and I was able to move to a new home very quickly. This all happened during Covid. I am truly blessed to receive the gift of peace.

I am so thankful to God that He carried, and still carries, my worries and concerns. What a comfort and joy it is knowing that my Lord has my back at all times. When we talk to God, he listens and provides a quietness and a peace that radiates throughout our whole being.

We all can receive the same gift as we turn our concerns and worries over to God. As the verse states, “It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (MSG) Remember that God loves each one of us and he does not want us to carry our burdens alone. God wants us to be whole and to share his peace with others.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for taking our worries and concerns and replacing them with a sense of peace and calmness. Thank you for the gift of peace. Amen.

Nancy – Inspire. Ignite. Invite.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, I