December 12th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 4:4-7

 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.

Reflection
This is an old picture of my youngest daughter, Stephanie. You can see the joy in her face while on this stroll. As children we are joyful, for the most part. Cares and worries are taken care of by loving parents. As we grow into adults we seem to lose some of this characteristic and the worries and anxieties of this world overwhelm us at times. But we are Children of God and we can turn to God in prayer as this passage indicates.

We are called by God. Our call is a joyful call because we are united to God and through salvation we respond by glorifying God. What a joy it is to be close to God. Jesus came into this world to get close to us and to be one of us and to unite with us in such a way that we laugh and rejoice.

When we begin to worry and get anxious, we turn to God in prayer and seek help and guidance. Worry is something we all do, but we have a God to turn to with our worries. Likewise when we are thankful, we turn to God in prayer and acknowledge God for all we have been given. All we receive we do not deserve. But through God's love, we are blessed and peace abounds in our lives. In this, prayer takes the place of worry and thanksgiving abounds.

Oh, the peace that passes all understanding. Peace that stands in place of worry and anxiety. Peace that draws our thankful hearts in the closeness and nearness of Jesus our Savior. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you are near... Lord, you are here. As I come to you with a thankful heart for all of the blessings you have overwhelmed me with; I also carry worry. I lay my worries with you and talk to you and listen to what you have to say. Renew me and give me that peace that only you can give. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen