At One Community Church, each week we present a devotional that was written by one of our partners. This week’s words of reflection are from Angela Scott.
The Word:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (NASB)
The Story:
The weekend started out like any other; the high school football game on Friday, running errands on Saturday, and then some special time with the Lord Saturday night. I had an awesome time with God, singing and praising, praying and giving thanksgiving. I just knew that the Lord was going to do something amazing the next day. I laid out my clothes and set my alarm so I’d be prepared for church. I was going to wake up a few minutes early, tie up any loose ends, and be at church right on time. Everything was laid out just right, so I went to sleep. Then, my alarm didn’t go off! All of the little plans I had in my head about how my morning was going to go were shot. I ran around the house trying to get my act together and still make it to church on time. My hair looked crazy, my clothes were wrinkled, and everything was a mess! I jumped in my car and raced down the street! I had to do something to salvage my morning. As I was driving, I thought about how I was going tell others about the Lord’s peace when I wasn’t receiving it for myself. It is so easy to get caught up in our own plans. We often forget that even when our agenda gets messed up; God’s agenda can never be ruined because His will is perfect.
The Reflection:
During stressful situations, are you praying for God’s peace to bring calm to your spirit? Think about how praising the Lord when we feel anxious can refocus us, center our thinking, and allow us to experience the kind of peace only the Lord offers.
The Application:
Sometimes we think His peace is supposed to be like a crashing wave of relief, and that’s not always how it is. Sometimes we feel His peace when we simply slow down when we’re late and rushing, or can use a calm tone when we’re talking to kids after they’ve spilled red juice on a white sofa. Take time throughout your day to spend time in prayer, meditating on the Lord’s goodness so that when those stressful situations arise, the peace of God will be with you.
The Prayer:
Lord, help us today to be thankful for the things you have so graciously blessed us with. We pray that we learn to recognize those moments of peace that You gift to us, and let us not take them for granted. Thank You for Your never ending grace, love, and peace. Amen.
