30 Sep Is the Pandemic stealing your Heart?
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
I remember clearly when my dad realized his little girl was taking an interest in boys. He was quick to have a daddy and daughter date to let me know that all boys were stupid and had no idea what they wanted. Just Kidding! We all know that boys are great. He wanted to relay the importance of guarding my heart, not easily giving something away that was so valuable. Most of all, he wanted me to be happy.
As I was reading chapter 4 of Philippians, I came across verses 6 & 7 that brought back this sweet childhood memory, except this time, my heavenly Father was telling me the same thing, “Guard your Heart.”
How do we do this when our world seems to be spiraling out of control. When pandemics show up out of nowhere, and there is unrest among our nation due to racism, difference of opinions, and many other reasons.
We go to work, and our employees are looking to us to lead and provide answers. There are meetings, and angry customers, and our bottom line, well it just bottoms out. We go home and try to smile and give what little energy we have left to only be half there and fully exhausted.
But the great news is we don’t have to stay this way! What we do need is peace. It is only through Jesus that our hearts and minds will be safely guarded.
What must we do?
1. Do not be anxious
We don’t have to give way to the things of this world and be full of anxiety, anger, unrest, or even fear.
2. Prayer and Supplication
Prayer is part of our weapon for warfare. It begins the conversation and keeps communication flowing between the Commander(God) and his captain(Me). Through prayer, I can recognize the tactics of the enemy and hear and layout God’s strategic battle plan (Read Ephesians 6). But first, I need to go to Him and ask for help. I need to give Him my request and trust that He will meet me and have the right answers for every situation. After all, He is God, and I am not.
3. Be thankful!
This action relates to prayer. I often come to the Lord with thanksgiving before I even voice my concerns and requests (Psalms 100:4-5). We will always have something to be thankful for because WE HAVE JESUS. Even if your supplication is about your finances, you can thank God for what provision you do have. If you are asking for healing, go to Him, and let Him know you are grateful for those parts of your body functioning well. I am always inspired when I see someone going through trials, but they have a heart full of joy.
“Keep your heart with all diligence (guard your heart), For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23