Grab the Peace that Defies Understanding

Daily Devotional: Monday, January 25, 2021

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.

Philippians 4:6-7

According to a popular Christian teaching, God answers prayers in three ways: Yes, No or Wait. This means that no prayer goes unanswered. However, there is another significant gift that God offers those who pray genuinely.

Each of us has a reasonable share of daily challenges. There are enough reasons and excuses to worry and feel despondent. The good news, though, is that God provides a formula for dealing with our daily trials.

Any time you face issues that are beyond your ability to solve, present your problems to God in prayer. Jesus longs to take away your burden and give you rest. You must trust God enough to let go of your worries and let God be.

Many of us heed this advice and bring our burdens to the foot of Calvary. However, if and when we feel like God is taking too long to answer, we go back, pick up our burdens, and continue worrying.

What we lack is the most important gift that God gives those who call on Him. As we wait for God to answer our prayers in the way and time He knows best, He gives us peace that we ourselves cannot understand. This peace is the fruit of complete surrender to the will of God.

When, like Jesus, we tell God, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42), He fills us with unfathomable peace. Remember Jesus sleeping in a boat in the midst of a storm? You, too, can have that kind of peace if you surrender fully to God.

Whatever storm you face today, take your cares to the Lord in prayer and let His unfathomable peace fill your heart. He has been tried and tested. You can trust Him to answer your prayers in the way and time He knows best.

Prayer

Father, all I need today is the peace that passes all understanding, and I trust you to answer my prayers in your own time and manner.