Philippians 4:6
(The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Bad things happen. Sometimes it is hardest when those we love struggle and there is nothing we can do to FIX it. I had to go to a place with someone very dear to my heart yesterday, a place of confrontation that I thought would end with a severed relationship. God did not leave me alone- he heard the prayers of myself, my family, and friends, and went before me as I talked to this sweet woman who I love so much. I was literally shaking as I dialed her number, but God had prepared her heart, just as He prepared mine to be sensitive to her desperate circumstances. That conversation was a baby step, but we all came away with hope, and HOPE is a powerful thing. I know I am being very vague, but this is not my struggle to share. I wanted to share this a reminder to us all that this verse is the actual word of God- it is not a suggestion. It is a promise, but we have to make the choice to give our anxiety to Him. I struggle with worry at times, and this situation is one of those that makes me feel ill, sad, frustrated, and heartbroken all at the same time. BUT this verse is one that often comes to mind and brings me a measure of peace. I am so thankful that I do not have to do life with the Lord, aren't you?
I would ask that you would pray for this woman- you can call her JF (Jane's friend).
10 comments:
It's so hard to feel like there is nothing we can do but pray.
But praying is everything.
I will think of your friend when I pray for my suffering friends and family.
i hate it when blogger loses your comments...grr. i had something written from my heart so here's take 2....
you have such a tender, loving heart and i'm so encouraged at your willingness to work thru a toughie. that says a lot about you as a person. and the way it worked out says a lot about God's timing.
reading this scripture was something i really needed to hear today. Don'tcha love it when God surprises you with them?! Anyways, "God's word is not a suggestion"...loved that. i am amazed at how God's word, His hand, and His plan are all perfect. why in the world do i ever doubt or worry? i have His 'handprints' showing me His faithfulness.
jane, i heart you! and i hope this baby step leads into something beautiful.
I'm not feeling well. I hate not feeling well. It makes my sentences really short in the first place and then Linda goes and steals my line.
Hmph.
I Heart Jane 2.
:-)
I'm very glad I've got Jesus.
I heart you too Jane! And I will prey for you and for JF!!
Conflict is hard, sounds like you did the godly thing.
gosh, with all these kind comments about me, i hope it doesn't sound like I am tootin' my own horn here. I really just wanted a lot of prayer for the situation because it is POWERFUL!
So many times we go into battle without God. Not knowing that it is He who will fight for us. (Exodus 14:14) Praying for you and your friend.
Those are hard things to do. Good for you for doing what you know you needed to do.
I would've been shaking too.
Beautiful scripture.
I too struggle with worry. I think so many of us want God to take our anxiety, only to take it back again, and again, and...
You are so right. Hope IS a powerful thing.
Jane, this is one of my most clung-to verses in scripture. I love it.
I have to tell you something that is going to sound odd, maybe, but I had to confront someone last week, too. It was terrifying, but I know God appointed me to it, just like He did for you.
Praise His Holy Name...when it's over, though, there is NOTHING like the freedom and peace when you know that you've obeyed.
Love to you my sister....and I've missed you...
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