Philippians 4:6-7 (NRSV)
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Verse 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Verse 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Devotion
Do you ever read these words and think, “Well, of course I’m anxious! There’s plenty to be anxious about!”? Yesterday, baby Jonah, the youngest member of the PLTS community, arrived at a meeting, fast asleep in his dad’s arms. When he awoke, several of us at the meeting took turns holding him. As I held him, I thought, “How wonderful it is that Jonah doesn’t have to worry about anything.” It’s not as if Jonah and I live in different worlds. Jonah’s mom and dad worry about some of the same things I do. But to see Jonah resting in his dad’s arms was a reminder that we can bring all our worries to God, rest in God’s arms, find peace and emerge filled with that peace that does indeed transcend all understanding. It is this very peace that enables us to return to the realities of our lives knowing God’s arms are always waiting for us once again whenever we need them.
Prayer
God of open arms, thank you for always welcoming us into your embrace and always hearing our prayers. Amen.