On guard!

Jesus said, 'Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not' (Matthew 6:27 NLT). Worry changes nothing. When was the last time we solved a problem by worrying about it? Imagine somebody saying, 'I got behind on my bills so I decided to worry my way out of debt. And you know, it worked!' We can't add one day to our life or one bit of life to our day by worrying; all worry will do is bring us wrinkles and grey hair!

Let's consider these two Scriptures: 'Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever' (Psalm 125:1 NIV); and 'You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you' (Isaiah 26:3 NIV). We don't get up in the morning and decide 'Today I'm going to doubt God' - but when we worry that's what we do.

Paul writes, 'His peace will guard your hearts and minds' (Philippians 4:7 NLT). Paul uses a military word here - guard. The Philippians lived under Roman occupation and were used to seeing the centurions guarding their town. What security! Before an enemy could get to them they first had to get past the rock-hard Roman guards. And, God gives us the same guarantee! His peace is not wishy washy - it is solid. Our heart and mind are completely safe if we'll let his peace stand guard.

So what now? Why don't you ask God for his peace to guard you right now?

— SCRIPTURE —

'His peace will guard your hearts and minds.' Philippians 4:7 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Isa 53-57, John 8:21-30, Ps 15, Pro 28:25-26