Due to the recent economic downturn, the university my brother-in-law attends will no longer provide any paid academic teaching or research opportunities for students who have been in the program for more than 5 years. This change has affected him big- time. He was set to graduate with his doctorate degree next year. But now new plans have to be made.
My sister referenced Romans 8:28 as she wrote in an e-mail: “Though these are uncertainties, we have peace in our hearts as we know that God works for the good of those who love Him.”
It’s evident that believers in Jesus can have peace in the midst of uncertainties. But how? In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells the believers in Philippi not to worry about anything but to pray about everything. Why? The heavenly Father loves His children and cares for their needs (Matthew 6:25-34). We can bring all our concerns to Him with an attitude of thankfulness—trusting Him to meet our needs.
To say the peace of God surpasses all understanding reveals that we can’t explain it, but we can experience it as He guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). The word guard means to set up a sentinel or “to watch over.” God not only guards our hearts from anxiety, He also guards our minds from spiraling downward.
In verses 8 and 9, Paul gives us 10 things to focus on and do that replace worry. We are told to “fix our thoughts” on them, and to “keep putting [them] into practice.”
Our peace comes from being confident that God is in control. He alone provides the peace that settles our nerves, fills our minds with hope, and allows us to relax even in the midst of changes and challenges.
More:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! (Isaiah 26:3).
Next:
Do you lack peace in some area of your life? What will happen if you fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise?
bethanyF on March 12, 2010 at 8:51 am
This devotional was really a blessing. I am up north at my grandmother’s funeral and I’ve had a few journeying worries. This devotional was just what I needed. Thanks.
adrnpab74 on March 12, 2010 at 8:53 am
Good Morning and God Bless you,
I like this devotional because it covers alot of what i have been struggling with lately. Just trying to make decisions on how I can make payments on my debts have been stressful. So I presented this situation to the Lord (Philippians 4:6) and he has opened doors for me to be able to make easy payments and not have to worry so much any more.(Romans 8:28) Now I am enjoying the peace that only God can give.(Philippians 4:7)
Praise the Lord!!
mprez2006 on March 12, 2010 at 9:28 am
i am a witness that the LORD, my God, will give you peace. Recently, I applied to graduate school, and I got my first return letter yesterday. The letter, from Penn State, denied me. My intial desire was to be sad, or to worry that what God has already promised me (a very wealthy academic future) would not come to pass. But the Holy Spirit reminded of that very scripture, and I had peace the whole day. Later on last night, the devil tried to get me discouraged, but I know that God’s word is true, and I will be accepted to somewhere else! Where he wants me to go! I’m claiming Howard University!! You all keep me in prayer! I will be back with great news soon!!
Love you all,
Mark
Nathanee on March 12, 2010 at 9:54 am
Good day all. The devotional is awosome. Thanks to the presenter. Am also passing through some difficulties. But this encouraged me so much.
sowharvest on March 12, 2010 at 11:36 am
I read this devotional daily and today’s msg was on point (as usual). Right now so many things are in limbo and I do desperately need the peace. Peace for me has been the confidence that GOD will take care of me. Yet daily I am confronted with attacks that are fighting that confidence. I seem to get knocked down a little bit further. Yet I won’t give up. But it is hard.. I recite GOD’s words to my situation — “Greater is He that is in me than he that is of the world” and “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” and for a moment I have confidence and then something else happens. Most recently, I was involved in a bad car accident where the person fled the scene. Now I have no car and I am just holding on by GOD’s grace but I shout and scream –No more… No more.
And I read my word daily I am confronted by GOD’s word. Just pray for me to keep pressing forward inspite of my challenges. I am ” hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, …… struck down but not destroyed” 2Cor 4:8-9.
Soldier4Christ on March 12, 2010 at 11:37 am
My wife and I have been going through some worrisome times connected with my step-son. But with prayers, we have seen first hand how God works in our lives and the lives of others. When we truly give things over to God then we no longer have to worry about them because He is able and faithful to provide.
Paul G on March 12, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Great devotional!!
mikan on March 12, 2010 at 9:50 pm
This devotional reminds me of How Great God is…
Truly He is always able to provide everything.
Glory to God! ?
Sing praises to God!???
jovines2003@yahoo.com on March 12, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Sometimes we can’t understand God’s plans. But it is only in Him that we can find assurance that He means only the best for those who love Him.
msumalabe on March 13, 2010 at 3:40 am
thank you for this message; it is such an encouragement.
God bless everyone!
carolmarol on July 20, 2010 at 5:34 am
in times like this, God is in control always..
Thank u Lord for taking care of me always.