PEACE TO GO

[This is the fourth of fourteen passages that sustained me in the while in the dark.]

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God and the peace of God that passes understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:6-7*

I think of the day in which we live as “the day of delays.” There’s a day coming when there will be no more delays, but that’s not today – at least not so far today. I’m learning to expect delays and make the best of the time while I’m waiting. That way of thinking gives me peace.

“Instead of worrying about how you’re going to survive this madness, ask me for help. Even before you see anything resembling an answer to your requests, assume that I’m working, and be thankful. While you’re waiting – peace!

“If I delay or deny your requests it means that your circumstances fall under the category of things I intend to ‘work together for good.’ When I don’t fix what’s broken, remember that I have a plan to mold the broken pieces into something better.

“My peace is preferable to your efforts to use reason to understand the pit you’re in. It’s better than you stressing out to figure it out. Otherwise you work yourself into an anxious fit. Let me do what I do, and — be at peace!” Jesus

*For more on this passage see “When God Says Wait“