Scripture: Philippians 4.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

7 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.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

If someone was to give us the advice that Paul gave to the Philippians in verses 6 and 7, I would imagine that we would say to them: “right, that’s easy for you to say, because you could never imagine what I am going through right now”. However, it is believed that Paul wrote this letter to his church while he was still in prison being punished for his work with his various churches. Furthermore, as you read down you will find in verses 11-13 where Paul shared how he had been there and done that – the same types of things that the Philippian church could easily bellyache about. Friend, let’s take it to heart the advice that Paul gave to this church. Let’s stop worrying about every little thing. Instead let’s pray about everything. Especially let us tell God about all that we ‘need’, and let us always thank Him for all that He gives to us each and every day. Let us experience true peace in God, it will truly be more than we could ever imagine or understand. Let’s learn to be content in all that we have, for being content with everything that God has blessed us with is true happiness, contentment and ultimate peace. As our eternal Father, He will provide all that we ‘need’.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord, thank You for being there for me in good times and in tough times. I have been so blessed that it is difficult for me to honestly say that I have had tough times, for I have felt blessed even when I didn’t have all that I wanted. Thank You for always providing my ‘needs’. Yes, I can look around me and see many with a lot more than I have, but I can praise You today because You have always provided all that I have needed. Please continue to give me Your wisdom and ongoing strength to face the challenges of each day, and allow You to keep charge over all my circumstances. I truly believe, like Paul, that I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
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