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?\u201d But no, there was no escape; not in sleep anyway.<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n
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 <\/em>[are] noble, whatever things <\/em>[are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things <\/em>[are] lovely, whatever things <\/em>[are] of good report, if <\/em>[there is] any virtue and if <\/em>[there is] anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.<\/em> The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you <\/em>(Philippians 4:6-9).<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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\u2019s immutable truths. He promises that when you do this \u2026the God of peace will be with you.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n “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.<\/p>\r\n It is in Jesus\u2019s name I pray. Amen.”<\/p>\r\n ___________________________<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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?\u201d But no, there was no escape; not in Continue reading VIRGINIA’S MEDITATION ON PAIN<\/span>\r\n\t
His Word is truth and superior to my thinking and feelings.<\/h6>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
His ways are just, pure, virtuous, and never changing.<\/h6>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
He loved me enough to save me from eternal. Therefore, He will deliver me from my present troubles or carry me through them.<\/h6>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n