Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Now two phrases that cannot be separated. My paraphrase is I am freed from anxiety because the Lord is at hand. There is a also a warning that I am not to fall prey to anxiety in recognition that the Lord is in control. Isn't it ludicrous that a feeble man thinks he can solve something by stewing and fussing when the LORD, God the Almighty says, "Trust me, I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Lord, once more, I acknowledge that my self centered compulsion and delusion to believe that I am in control and able to resolve anything is sin, grievous sin, sin of pride and idolatry. Continue, Lord, the pruning process.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 31
Mid-day: 119:1-8
Evening: Psalm 106
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
