iPray
Present Your Requests

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 4:4-9

Key Verse: Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Most Christ followers become familiar with the scripture passage for today early on in their walk with God.  It seems to be an easy passage to memorize but much tougher to live it out in our daily lives.

          To “rejoice always” seems to be an exaggerated statement that goes beyond possibility.  The reason we struggle with it may be that we don’t realize the difference between joy and happiness.  In my opinion, happiness is based on external circumstances.  We can all be happy when life is treating us well.  “Joy” goes deeper into our souls.  It is a gut level satisfaction that we are in a good spot in our lives; doing what we ought to be doing.  With this understanding, we can, indeed, rejoice in the Lord always!  When we are “in Christ” there is a deep satisfaction that we are living as we should.  No matter how bad things may be around us, we can rejoice that we are good with God and all is well with our souls.

          Of course this rejoicing is built on “prayer and petition” (Philippians 4:6).  Being “in Christ” means that we can continually share our deepest thoughts and needs with God.  Prayer is the avenue to keep our rejoicing secure and up to date.  I can rejoice because I’m walking with Christ, the source of life itself.  God’s peace will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Father, I will stay in constant communication with you today, rejoicing in our relationship.  In Jesus’ name, amen.