Читать книгу In the Quiet of the Day - Abingdon - Страница 15

Troubles, Troubles

Be glad in the LORD always! Again I say, be glad! . . . The LORD is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:4-7

We can get so caught up in the troubles of the world that we almost forget to be happy. When you find every news headline bombarding your senses and every talk show bringing you down, you might want to stop the presses, get off the negative news network, and remember that the Lord is near.

If God is near, you have no real reason to be anxious. You have every reason to be happy. In fact, it’s more than okay to be happy, it’s a way of showing God how much you trust him. It’s a way of thanking him. Don’t parents always feel better when they see their kids smile? Your heavenly Father likes to see you smile too.

Opportunities to rejoice come with each passing season: spring and flowers in bloom, summer and songs of cicadas, fall and beautiful foliage, and winter with its stunning white landscapes. In all times, you can hope in the Lord and carry your burdens to him. Give thanks for all he has done and what he is yet to do to help you grow, to help you be at peace, and to give you wings to fly. Believe him and trust him. He will keep you safe beneath his wings of love.

Rejoice and be glad at the nearness of the Lord.

IN THE QUIET OF THE DAY

Lord, thank you for taking my cares and concerns today and delivering me from the burdens they put on my heart. Bless all that I am and all that I can be with your love. Amen.