A Norvell Note 2020
Vol. 22 No. 06 February 10, 2020
I know, I wrote a piece about peace a couple of weeks ago. But it seems like an appropriate time to reapply the wisdom and comfort of these words.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7, NIV)
The challenge: Do not be anxious about anything.
If I could write an article that provided a fail-proof plan for how to accomplish this, I would be set for life. Instead, all I can do is offer my suggestions for dealing with our anxieties.
The action: Present your requests to God.
This part is relatively easy for me. I have plenty of requests to present to God: Give me wisdom to make good choices. Give me the strength to use the wisdom You give me. Show me who I should pull for in the upcoming election. Lead me to the job you want me to accept. Help me be a good husband, Dad, Papa, and friend. Give me insight to understand people’s fears and struggles and the ability to guide and encourage them.
I think there is a lot of flexibility in how these requests are presented to God. I don’t think the method is as important as the act of simply presenting our requests to God, whether through tears of joy or sadness. Sometimes I present them in my journal, sometimes in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep, and sometimes in my car or a coffee shop. I also think it’s helpful to make a list of positives and negatives, in both good times and bad. Just say: “Lord, here they are. I give them to you.”
The result: The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
The key for me is to leave my requests with Him and trust that He will give me peace. I have experienced this when trying to make a decision, sorting through my hopes and dreams, or weighing possibilities and options. I don’t understand or know how to explain it (He said I would not be able to), but I know when it happens. There is a feeling of serenity and relief. And it is real.
This peace is from God and it is real peace. Present your requests to God and enjoy the results.
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