We all occasionally worry about something, but Paul tells us that there is an alternative to worry, prayer.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

In my words, what he is saying is, when we have a concern, rather than worrying, we should ask God to solve it, then thank him for doing so. We should then carry on in the best way we know how, with trust that God will handle the situation. We may not know how He will handle it, but we can know that God has a reason for the way He is answering our prayer, and His ways are better than ours.

Dear Lord, help us remember to pray rather than worry. Help us also remember to include our thanks that you will handle our concern in your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think if you think about it, most of us have had an experience that was challenging or unpleasant, but because of that experience, we were lead into some new opportunity or positive situation, or avoided something even worse. Things like a traffic slowdown prevented us from being involved in an accident, or a minor medical issue that indicates something more serious early enough to resolve.

God talks about this type of situation in Isaiah 65:24, “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”

God also tells us in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” NIV

What a comfort it is to know that God cares about each of us, he knows our prayers before we even ask, and he is right there with us through life’s trials, our own trials, or those we love.

Dear Lord, We thank you that you have control over all of our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Bring comfort and healing to those who face trials in their lives, so they may have your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is my incredible wife’s birthday. She is the grace in our home, the coach and biggest fan of our children, the mentor of her siblings, the unfailing sister of her friends, and my amazing Christian partner. Every day she brings glory to God by her life. God has blessed her, and all of us through her.

Solomon wrote about her in Proverbs 31:28-31, “Her children stand and bless her.  Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

Happy Birthday Liz. I love you.

Today is also a milestone birthday for my brother Matthew, who is an amazing Christian man. A model of love, confidence, wisdom, and humility anchored in faith. God has blessed and challenged him greatly, and he is an outstanding example through it all. We love you, Matt!

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessing we have in Liz and Matthew. Give them courage and strength as they grow in your service and bring joy, hope, comfort and confidence to those around them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 9 includes the story of Jesus healing a boy who was possessed by a demon who would throw him into convulsions.

Mark 9 :21-22 says, “Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

The man said “if you can” to Jesus. The man must have heard the stories of Jesus healing other people, and was looking desperately to find a way to help his son. Even though he probably had heard stories of Jesus healing people, he was not sure Jesus could, or would, heal his son.

Don’t we sometimes fall into this place of doubt, not sure God can solve the difficult problem we have.

In those times, Don’t ask “Can God?” say “God can.”

Dear Lord, We know that with you, all things are possible. Help us remember to pray and ask with confidence, and remember “God can.”
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is the National Day of Prayer in the United States. It is wonderful that people in the U.S. have considered prayer important enough to establish a day to recognize this importance.

We all have unique strengths and weaknesses, and we all are at different places in our journey of faith.

Paul tells us that prayer is a strength all of us can improve, in Philippians 4:6-7 he says, “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.” NLT

This isn’t just a nice “feel good” comment by Paul, it is an instruction. When we have concerns, rather than thinking about all the negative possibilities over and over, we should determine what we need to resolve the concern, and ask God for it. Then after asking, we should thank God for answering, in His way. By doing this we are handing the concern over to God, and we can have the peace in knowing that it is in His hands.

Dear Lord, you know it is often difficult for us to just “not worry.” Please help us remember to ask for what we need, thank you, and accept your promise of the peace that passes all understanding. Today also, Lord be with our friend JT, as you have always been. Guide him as he helps us glorify you on this Day of Prayer in my local community. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.