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Tuesday, May 19, 2026

19May

Philippians 4:4-7

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 every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Anxiety seems rampant in today's world. It's that natural human response to stress that when it gets out of control, causes sleep disturbance and feelings of dread. If it becomes chronic, it may need treatment to manage. When that happens, it doesn't mean that you are weak or that your faith has failed you. God has given us the knowledge of how to treat clinical anxiety. He is with us no matter how bad it gets.

Paul's letter to the Philippians is a reminder for us to turn to God when the day to day stresses of life start to get us down. When we are waiting for those test results or for peace in the Mideast or that healthy baby to be born, we need to pray and believe in the power of God. We need to take some deep breaths and remind ourselves that He is with us and will be with us even if the worst happens. Maybe especially when the worst happens. We can petition Him and continue to ask that our requests be heard and answered, even if it feels like it is taking forever to get our answer. He is with us. My sweet mother used to say often, "Trust in the Lord". It has gotten me through the anxious times and it will for you.

Paul also reminds us to be joyful! We are to be joyful and gentle. Spring brings new life as nature reminds us through the earth's rebirth that life abounds around us. We can rejoice in it and in all the small blessings we experience every day.

Questions for Reflection:

  • When a worry surfaces today, can we put it into our "Trust in the Lord" box and put it on a shelf to wait for the answer?
  • Written on the ledger of things that cause me worry and things I am joyful about, which list is longer? How can I lengthen the list of joyful things and turn over the other list to God?

Prayer:

Oh mighty and merciful God, be with me today to help me to focus on the many things that bring me joy. Help me to turn over my worries to you and to believe in your timing for answering my prayers. Thank you for my life and all of the beauty in it. Thank you for being with me through the worries that daily life brings. Your love and mercy give me the peace that "transcends all understanding". Blessed be your name. Amen.

PrayerWorry

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Posted by Ann Hamilton

Ann Hamilton has been a member of Southwood Lutheran Church since 2003, transferring membership from Our Savior's Lutheran. She has been married to Jay Hamilton for almost 44 years and is the mother of four and grandmother of 7 children. She is a retired Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. She's an old farm girl, having been raised on a family farm in southwestern Minnesota. She lives by faith and walks with God as much as possible.

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