Scripture:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4 4-9)

Reflection:

Paul reminds us that what we think about can have a big effect on how we live. He encourages us to fill our minds with things that are true, good, pure, kind and worthy of praise.This can be difficult when our minds are filled with worries, fears or negative thoughts. But Paul encourages us not simply to think differently, but to put our faith into practice. The things we learn about God are meant to shape the way we live, the way we treat others and the choices we make each day.Christian peace does not mean that life will always be easy or free from trouble. Instead, it means knowing that God is with us in the middle of it all.So today, perhaps we can bring one worry to God in prayer, choose to focus on what is good, and ask God to help us live out our faith. As Paul reminds us: “The God of peace will be with you.”

Lyn Hayes, ALM