Advent Day 11
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
In times of waiting, when the outcome is undetermined, our thoughts can turn us to the dark side if we let them. In our Devotional reading titled “So Shall it Be” (W2|D3) a couple endures their pregnancy with the diagnosis of their unborn child that produced a mix of hope and horror. “She’s fine or she isn’t.” They chose life in the ambiguity of anxious waiting. And in the twinkling of an eye, when their daughter was born, their terror transformed into joy. Phil 4:6-7 instructs us in how to approach such anxiety-inducing situations. With prayer, petition and thanksgiving. Prayer- honestly telling God your heart. Petition- asking your heavenly Father to meet your needs. And Thanksgiving – remembering all you have to be grateful for despite adverse circumstances you may be facing. We are not guaranteed a life without pain or disappointment, but we can find the peace that passes understanding in the waiting and trusting in the Lord. Take this time to honestly share your heart with God, then present your requests and give thanks for all He has done and will do in your life.