The Resistance - Day 18
Day 18: Wednesday, February 22
Read Philippians 4:4-13
Highlight
The word that Paul uses for “anxious” is merimnao, which literally means “to be pulled apart.” The image is one that so many of us can relate to - Our fears and worries take our attention and focus away from everything good in our lives. It makes us feel like we are being pulled apart, especially by separating us from the good things that we actually do have.
This is one of the reasons why the way to be anxious about nothing is to be prayerful about everything… especially prayers of gratitude. Those prayers bring our attention back to what is good about our lives. Instead of being pulled apart, our prayers help us to be wholly focused on our Father and his good gifts. This will bring us peace and ultimately help us be content in any and every circumstance.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Philippians 4:4-13
Highlight
The word that Paul uses for “anxious” is merimnao, which literally means “to be pulled apart.” The image is one that so many of us can relate to - Our fears and worries take our attention and focus away from everything good in our lives. It makes us feel like we are being pulled apart, especially by separating us from the good things that we actually do have.
This is one of the reasons why the way to be anxious about nothing is to be prayerful about everything… especially prayers of gratitude. Those prayers bring our attention back to what is good about our lives. Instead of being pulled apart, our prayers help us to be wholly focused on our Father and his good gifts. This will bring us peace and ultimately help us be content in any and every circumstance.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance