Christ Leads The Way

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34

Hey, friends! I hope that you are well. I’m so thankful for you and all the love and support you have shown and continue to show me. Thank you so much! I appreciate you!!!

Starting a new year is full of new ideas, new beginnings, new direction. Many people choose a word as their theme to direct them throughout the new year. Some choose a Scripture or passage to do so. I’ve chosen a Scripture passage to be my guiding theme throughout the year. It’s Philippians 4:6-7.

It says, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”

I need to be reminded not to be anxious. Some versions render verse six as, “Don’t worry about anything.” It’s reminiscent of Matthew chapter 6 where Jesus says to not worry about your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall wear. He concluded that thought with, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Mtt. 6:34). There’s enough stuff going on in the present to not be worried about the future.

It’s a reminder that we all need – to not stress and worry over anything, but to take whatever it is to the Lord in prayer. Yes, the Lord knows what we need before we ask Him, but He wants us to ask and lay our wants and needs before Him. We see that where the Scripture says, “Thus says the Lord God, ‘I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them: I will increase their men like a flock’” (Eze. 36:37). God wants us to inquire of Him the things that we want and need so that He can supply them for us.

We are to take everything to God in prayer, and to do it giving thanks to Him.

Albert Barnes explains it well when he writes that everything is “in reference to the supply of your wants, and the wants of your families; everything in respect to afflictions, embarrassments, and trials; and everything relating to your spiritual condition. There is nothing which pertains to body, mind, estate, friends, conflicts, losses, trials, hopes, fears, in reference to which we may not go and spread it all out before the Lord.”

When we do that – be anxious for nothing, take everything to God in prayer, and do it with thanksgiving – we will have a peace that surpasses all understanding. We can always find something for which to be thankful no matter what situation we are experiencing.

The Word says that God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him (Isa. 26:3). If we keep our minds on the Lord in prayer and supplication, giving Him thanks, then we won’t have to worry or be anxious about anything. He will keep us in peace – perfect peace.

That’s my guiding theme, and that’s my goal this year – to do what Philippians 4:6-7 says. I’ve memorized it; I pray it, and; I remind myself of it often so that I can live it.

Do you have a guiding Scripture, passage, or word for the new year? If so, share it in the comments. I hope that you’ll strive not to worry and take everything to God in prayer, giving thanks, like I’m striving to do.

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https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/philippians/4.htm