“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your gentleness
be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Do not worry 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 4:4-7
Freedom from
Worry It's hard to let joy reign when we feel
threatened by so many fears and worries of everyday life. God calls you to
leave your worrying behind, Patricia Wilson reminds you in this brief book
packed with helpful suggestions for letting go of your worries. Twenty-eight
days of prayer can help reduce your anxiety level. Meditate on the devotions
and pray the Psalms and other prayers in this practical, easy-to-use book.
During my summer
vacations I work as a leader and trainer for an indoor challenge-and-fitness
center. Sunday school classes and birthday parties are held at the center,
where participants enjoy rope climbing, obstacle courses, and other
competitions. When I first meet my assigned groups and explain the rules, I try
to exhibit excitement in order to get them ready for the games. I always shout
in an animated voice, “Raise your hand if you’re ready for some fun!” Usually
only one or two people raise their hands. I tell them, “Well then, fun will
come to you!” The difference is that for those who raised their hands,
enjoyment starts immediately; the others have to wait.
People are often
bogged down with the cares of life and have difficulty rejoicing. Paul told his
readers that someday they’d be redeemed and ushered into God’s kingdom. But why
wait until then to rejoice? He invites us to begin rejoicing now.
Derek Baird
(Texas, USA)
Copyright ©2013 by
The Upper Room, a ministry of GBOD.
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