VIRGINIA’S MEDITATION ON PAIN

I awoke at 4:00 AM–again. Unwanted dread filled my thoughts: “Is this going to be another day of pain? Sleep is an escape from it; maybe I can go back to sleep?” But no, there was no escape; not in sleep anyway.

I was anxious with the unwanted thought of facing another day of discomfort. I prayed, “Lord, would You calm my soul?” The answer today was for me to think about the reality of Philippians 4:6-9, rather than the uncertainty of the day.

Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:6-9).

With this altered thinking, God then enabled me to concentrate on the positive things in my life. My thoughts were on Him instead of me.

  • His Word is truth and superior to my thinking and feelings.
  • His ways are just, pure, virtuous, and never changing.
  • He loved me enough to save me from eternal. Therefore, He will deliver me from my present troubles or carry me through them.

There are many good and pleasant things that surround me every day; things for which I can praise God, including the fact that He will strengthen me throughout the day if I call on Him. Thinking on these truths finally enabled me to rise from my bed with a positive and thankful attitude.

Dear sister in Christ, if you face a situation in your life that causes you to experience worry, anxiety, or fear; please join with me in setting your mind on God’s immutable truths. He promises that when you do this …the God of peace will be with you. 

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your word of truth. Without it, I would be lost and without hope. But, because of your promises, I have a sure expectation of peace when I keep my mind on you. Thank you for walking with me throughout this day. I praise you for giving me your words of encouragement and comfort.

It is in Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.”

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