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*
Crowded, busy and stressed. That’s the short summary of the past week or so. It hasn’t been all bad, just full. When I was at my most tired, and anxiety hovered like those cartoon rain clouds, I kept reminding myself “God is near.”
He so knew I’d need this promise when He brought it to mind a month ago. Isn’t He good to us?
I’ve taken a lot of comfort and strength from knowing God is near, but that’s made me stop and think. He’s near in the good times too. The hard times press us closer to Him, but in the good times we’re in danger of forgetting Him.
He wants us to notice His presence and to delight in being with Him.
In his book, Hidden in Plain Sight, Mark Buchanan calls us to treasure our faith – to spend time with others who treasure theirs, and to beware the danger of sapping our faith through keeping bad company.
Circumstances may do the opposite: good, easy times may sap our faith more than the hard times that force us to cling to God.
Precious Father, thank You for promising to never leave us. Thank You for the privilege of abiding with You. Please teach us to delight in Your nearness just because of who You are – regardless of our circumstances or need of comfort. How wonderful is each moment spent aware of Your presence.
A song that’s meant a lot to me this past month or more is “Give Me Jesus,” sung by Robin Mark.
*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.
Joanna, your devotion ministered such peace to me this morning, at the start of an extremely packed day. Thank you so much. The imagery was so funny. I can’t imagine you with a stress cloud, but trying to do so caused the corners of my lips to turn up and smile! A good thing.
The Jeremy Camp song was such a blessing, as was the scripture. I’m pumped a little more, with good stuff now. Thank you once again.
Thank you, Belinda. I’m so glad this ministered to you.
I’ve been on limited computer time this past week, and it’s good to be back! (Good to get away too. Funny, that little black cloud doesn’t show up when I’m on holidays.)