In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Our anxiety and worry is distrust and disbelief in God, and it weakens us for His service. The Word tells us that we are to pray about the things that are troubling us, giving us anxiety, or weighing heavily on our hearts. Make these requests known to God.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) This is the peace of God; knowing that He is sovereign and that He cares for us, that we have been reconciled to God because of what Jesus did on the cross, and we have the hope of heaven and enjoyment of God forever. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3  (from Patrick Klein and the online newsletter of Vision Beyond Borders, June 28, 2013).

These are my hopes and prayers of today, to keep me focused on that which matters most.  The relatively little stuff of my Sunday cannot compare to the riches in heaven, the rewards of the faithful, the promise of eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Translated in Julie terms:  the noxious stuff will pass.  This is but a season of trials.  And so I pray:

“I lay these at Your throne of grace my King for your care, mercy, and grace.  I trust that You see me.  I trust that You hear me.  I trust that You care for me on my bed of sickness (Psalm 41:3).  I trust that You are my strength when I am weak and will sustain me, prepare me for the tasks ahead (Psalm73:26).  I trust that you will guide my beloved husband and me in Your ways to fullness of joy (Psalm16:11).  In these promises I rest.  In Christ’s name, amen.