Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) -“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”
Have you ever prayed for obedience? I never thought in my adult life I would have to pray for obedience. Keeping things real, rebellion always feels better but wisdom teaches it leads down the wrong path. Well, guess what, prayers answered... Ask and you shall receive… early this morning I receive today’s Daily Hope with Pastor Rick Warren with the following title “Obedience leads to Peace.” Some of you already guessed what I said, “You can’t make this stuff up.” (Smile.)
Reflecting on this title, when praying for obedience are we asking for strength to obey, to not worry or simply for peace? The text that followed in today's Daily Hope devotional touched on a key point. It talked about “if you feel overwhelmed or confused about a decision that you’re pondering, you’re probably caught up in yourself and not listening to God’s voice. The text continued to remind me that God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV.) He is not the author of confusion. So if you’re feeling confused, guess what? It’s not God’s voice speaking in your life.” Can someone say “OUCH” with me! Yep, God is full of jokes. (Feel free to check out today’s Daily Hope with Rick Warren to read the rest of today’s message http://pastorrick.com/devotional)
It seems the take away message is, to truly obey; we must decrease "me and I" and increase God. Consider this anytime you are feeling confused or overwhelmed, whose voice are you hearing; yours, someone else’s, or God’s? Today’s scripture is a reminder to not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder to not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. To decrease me and increase you. I pray that all your children rest easy and seek no other voice but yours. That they experience no confusion, no overwhelmed feeling, and your peace that surpasses all understanding. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. AMEN!