October 3
Unexpected Peace

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 108:1-5 | Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 | Philippians 4:1-23 | Proverbs 24:17-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Philippians 4

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 4:6-7 NIV)

“The misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never happen.” –James Russell Lowell–

We all have times when we are tempted to worry. Yet, worry is counterproductive. It consumes our attention; it saps our energy and creativity; it takes away our peace, our hope, our joy. Paul suggests an alternative to worry: prayer.

Instead of anxiety and worry, we are encouraged to pray– to bring our concerns to the Lord. In prayer, we open our hearts to God and share our deepest concerns. In petition…