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 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 4:4-7, NIV*

This is all about confidence in God, trusting Him. The little word “but” highlights the contrast between two ways of life: on the one side, anxiety, on the other, the peace of God.

As I’ve been concentrating on Paul’s instructions to rejoice in the Lord, trusting in His nearness, and to bring my needs to Him in prayer, petition and thanksgiving for His goodness, my inner turmoil is less.

And as the turmoil decreases, I find myself more thankful. God is so good, in so many ways. He does all things well.

Let’s think about that this week. Our God is good. We can depend on Him. He won’t necessarily do what we think He should, or on our time, but He knows best and we can trust His heart.

With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can practice confidence in God and experience His peace.

Father, thank You for being a God we can trust and worship with joy. There is no malice or instability in You, only righteous, holy goodness. You invite us to bring our cares to You, and You promise us so many good things if we’ll come under Your authority where we belong. Help us grow in confidence in You, so that others will see the difference You make.

Steven Curtis Chapman’s “God is God” is a good song to keep life in perspective.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.