Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry and be anxious. That sounds easy enough, but anxiety disorder is practically a natural addiction, affecting nearly one in eight adults in the United States. Anxiety is defined as worry about an unknown future event. When Paul wrote this passage, he was in prison facing a possible death sentence. While it would be natural to read about Paul's concerns over his own future, instead, his letters were full of concern for his fledgling churches. While he felt responsibility for them and cared deeply about them, he was positive and supportive, instead of allowing anxiety about them and about his own situation to cripple him.
How did he do this? Simply put, Paul lived by grace. He turned all those things that could have worried him into a prayer list to bring before God, then he rested in the knowledge that the loving Creator of the universe knew his needs. He let go of unnecessary drama and petty difficulties that can consume people, instead, looking for opportunities to forgive and bless others. He didn't worry about pleasing other people, but focused on pleasing God. He recognized that God is the one in control of all future events and trusted in that knowledge. In so doing, he found that living by grace is living in a state of peace and joy, even in the most stressful situations.
Prayer: Lord, calm me and teach me to live by grace. Help me to remember that You are in control of all future events and I can trust in that knowledge. May I have Your peace which passes all understanding. Thank You for being my God. In Jesus name, Amen
*This devotion taken from The Sanctuary for Lent 2016 by Sue Mink
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