20 Dec January 14th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

ANXIETY AND WORRY – Part II

Philippians 4:6b “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

As I have written previously, it takes a lot of faith to pray the third petition of the Lord’s prayer: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  With these words, Jesus taught you to pray, especially when you are anxious and worried, to “. . . cast all your cares upon Him. . .” (1 Peter 5:7)  In the previous verse Peter urged that first of all, before you pray these words it is necessary to “humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.”  That also takes faith, doesn’t it?  After all, He may not answer your prayer the way you want.  If that is an issue, then obviously you are struggling with a faith issue, aren’t you?

Today’s Holy Spirit inspired devotional words through the pen of St. Paul encourage you, especially when you are worried and anxious, as well as  “ . . . in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)  As you live each day of your life, remember how God provided abundantly for the Children of Israel in the wilderness manna and quail on a daily basis and when it appeared there was no water for them to drink in their desert wanderings He provided it from a rock.  Jesus, fed thousands from five loaves and two fish and provided wine at a wedding from jars of water.

Thus the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, “ . . . Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks. . .” for the Psalmist writes, “The Lord opens His hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.” The Lord watches over all who love him . . . “

Prayer:  Lord, hear my prayers for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways To keep His statutes still!

Oh, that my God would grant me grace To know and do His will!

Order my footsteps by Thy Word And make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.

Assist my soul, too apt to st4ray, A stricter watch to keep;

And should I e’er forget Thy way, Restore Thy wand’ring sheep.

Make me to walk in Thy commands— ‘Tis a delightful road—

Nor let my head or heart or hands Offend against my God.

(LSB 707)