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An Old Friend
We all have that one passage of scripture that we’re sure is "ours." It is like an old friend. It was probably introduced to us by God, or someone in our lives, at a critical time. It doesn’t ever grow old, but remains precious throughout our lives. Phillipians 4:6-7 is just that for me. I have grasped onto it in struggles with anxiety, I have recited it over and over again in a hospital bed, and I have taken it along for the ride in life’s good times too. Today, I’m praying it at 30,000 feet in the air. I don’t like to fly. In fact, I’m the person you don’t like to fly next to — flipping nervously through a book or grabbing your arm in turbulence. So I’ve decided it’s time to knock it off (!) and to pray this passage instead of worrying about it. The guy next to me is relieved!
When a friend or someone in my family shares a struggle, this is usually THE verse I share. I often wonder if they’ll think I’m a "one trick pony." I am hoping that they may come to experience the life-changing words that I see in this passage. In fact, I was pleased that this passage dovetailed so nicely with Alan’s reminder last weekend on how to pray: A-C-T-S; Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. God’s peace "surpasses all understanding" ..think supernatural power..think BIG, unexplainable, miraculous, and wonderful peace that could only come from God! How could this part of the passage not lead you to adore God? I am so thankful He is God, and I’m not! I can tell you first hand, praying this prayer has given me peace when there was no way for me to have it otherwise. He calls us to pray in ALL things, which include confessions and requests, but to remember to do it with a thankful heart. Why be thankful when you’re just uttering the words of your prayer? Well, for starters, you’re in communication with the God of the universe! And if that’s not enough, I believe it’s a faith statement. We are thanking God in advance because he "WILL guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ."
I started by reading the passage. I moved on to memorizing it. I began to recite it through prayer. Now, it is buried deep in my heart, and I am doing my best to live it every day.
Thanks Lizz for the reminder and your faithfulness to the Lord,your husband and the church over the last 10 years. I have a similar verse that is with me all the time I call it my life verse. Philippians 1:6 “I am confident of this very thing that He who started a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Have a great day at 30,000 feet.
Hi, Lizz. I’m a friend & neighbor of Nancy & Mort.
Your post made me smile. When I teach Bible studies I often preface a verse or passage with the phrase, “This is a favorite of mine.” I’ve said it so often that now class members just grin when they hear me!
Thanks for the wonderful reminder to integrate God’s Word into who we are and all we do!
Dearest Betsy and Daniel.
I am so proud of both of you. What a wonderful message of encouragement and faith.
I Love you
Hi Lizz,
Thanks for the message. As you know Psalms 25:2 is mine, Especially the part “Let not mine enemies triumph over me:).” You have been such a blessing to me.
Love,
Ava
Thanks Rob and Ava (GB) for sharing your favorites with me! Ava (P), will you share your favorite with us?? Mamaw, thank you for demonstrating your faith to me…I have seen the Lord guard your heart and mind through all of life’s circumstances over the years.