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Most women create “to do” lists that show what they need to do that day, that week, that month—especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. These catalogs of tasks, phone calls, reminders, and plans keep us on track so we get more done and better manage the events of day-to-day life. We might have other forms of organization, but few methods keep us so focused.
If you could borrow anyone’s “to do” list, I suggest you take a look at the apostle Paul’s. In the book of Philippians one of his recurring themes is peace. So Paul’s “to do” list shows us how to enjoy the peace that is available to us as believers in Christ. You see, Paul so greatly desired peace among members of the body of Christ that he exhorts each person to possess the personal peace God offers. Only then can there be harmony in the church. In 4:5-6 he writes:
When we think of all we want in life, I know joy ranks high. So does peace. And here, in the God-breathed, inspired Word that comes straight from the mind and heart of God, we have the source of both! But to enjoy these two desired qualities of life, we must follow the list with devotion. What does this look like? What are we to do?
Rejoice. This is not optional, my friend. This is a command. It’s an exhortation to cheerfulness. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (verse 4). We are to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what is happening to us.
Pray. This too is not optional...it’s a command. Rather than suffering from anxiety, we are to present our needs to the Lord and trust Him to provide for us.In any and all circumstances, we are to lay our requests before God and trust Him to take care of us. And the results? The sweet, sweet results?
First, not only will God respond to our prayers, but we’ll experience “the peace of God”—the peace that is characteristic of God Himself. Even when our difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.
Second, God’s peace will stand guard over us, like a soldier or a sentinel, protecting us against the anxieties and worries that want to attack our hearts and minds.
This week—during Thanksgiving—and over the next month, spend time with the Lord. Memorize and recite Philippians 4:4-6 to yourself as you bake pies, zip from store to store, wrap presents, decorate your home, address Christmas cards, attend holiday pageants, and more! Through prayer, we will truly experience God’s peace that surpasses all human comprehension.
RESPOND
Lord, I’m ready to create a “to do” list of joy and peace. Thank You for Paul’s example. I lift up my needs to You and trust in You. You calm my fears. You guide my steps. You lead me to Your presence. I am rejoicing in You! Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
Check out our brand new collection of THANKSGIVING PRINTABLES that honor the Lord and add beauty to your home!
REFLECT
When is the last time you rejoiced in your circumstances?
REMEMBER
Even when our difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.Comments will be approved before showing up.
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Hannah appears in the Bible during the last days of the judges of Israel when “there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.