Walking in the Image of the Prince of Peace by Gail Rodgers

The world financial situation bounces like a rubber ball, again. It’s fragile and unpredictable. The morning news tells us the financial markets are unstable. Financial leaders meet to try to find solutions and bring calm.

I clicked from the news to my devotional email and this Bible verse:

“Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”  Proverbs 4:23

A perfect verse to counter the unease of the morning news.

“Above all else”.   My priority today is to keep a guard at my heart. To do that I need to faithfully guard what I allow to “camp” in my mind and settle into my heart.

“it is the wellspring of life”. What I allow to settle into my heart will overflow into my day. It will spring up in my relationships… my actions… my reactions.

Anxieties of many kinds surface threatening to consume us and devour us but another verse gives the practical “how” of God’s wisdom to us…

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

God will actually send His peace to guard my heart and my mind for me if I simply choose my responses today.  Choose to…..

•  Rejoice in the Lord always. Focus on all the Lord is and offers to us through Himself. Take one point and make it the meditation of your day.
•  Remember He is near. When anxiety threatens ask God to remind you that He is right there and He will steady you and give you the wisdom you need.
•  Respond in prayer. Worry is a call to prayer. Choose to lay your request before God and ask for His guidance.
•  Retain thanksgiving. Leave your concern with the Lord and focus instead on who He is and His ability to hold you through any challenge. Maintain a grateful heart for even the smallest of His blessings. Watch for them.

Result: His peace, which is beyond understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
It’s pretty amazing when you pause to ponder it!
As you guard your heart, He sends His peace to guard your heart and your mind as well. What a partnership!

Lord God, Please help me today to choose to guard my heart through these four steps and to experience Your amazing and un-explainable peace settling over my heart and mind by the power of Jesus. Thank you for Your wonderful provision when I turn my eyes to You. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Call to Action: What is stealing your peace today? Ask God to help you guard your thoughts and your heart as you apply these four steps today.