No Prayer, No Peace
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4–7
I read a parable about two women who had gotten together to do laundry and some clothing repair work. As they talked about their lives, one said, “My husband is so miserable. Nothing goes right at work, and he can’t find anything good on television. Our home is a place of despair. When we go to church, the song leader is terrible and the pastor is dumb.” The other replied, “My husband is so excited. He can’t wait to go to church. He loves the sermons and enjoys his job. We laugh all the time and enjoy our family time together.” Quiet descended on the room as the women continued working on their repairs. Then, at the same time, they both noticed which part of the garments they were repairing—the first woman was patching the seat of her husband’s pants, while the other was patching the knees.
There is a powerful lesson in that story. The difference between those who are joyful and live a life of peace and those who do not, is not found in circumstances. All of us face troubles and trials as we go through this life in a fallen, sin-filled world. The difference is internal—whether we gripe and complain and feel sorry for ourselves, or whether we turn to God, praying in faith for His grace to face our trials. The peace of God is not a random feeling that comes and goes. It is a conscious awareness of His presence found as we spend time in His Word and in prayer. Too often, prayer is a last resort rather than our first response to a challenge or trial.
Philippians 4:4–7
I read a parable about two women who had gotten together to do laundry and some clothing repair work. As they talked about their lives, one said, “My husband is so miserable. Nothing goes right at work, and he can’t find anything good on television. Our home is a place of despair. When we go to church, the song leader is terrible and the pastor is dumb.” The other replied, “My husband is so excited. He can’t wait to go to church. He loves the sermons and enjoys his job. We laugh all the time and enjoy our family time together.” Quiet descended on the room as the women continued working on their repairs. Then, at the same time, they both noticed which part of the garments they were repairing—the first woman was patching the seat of her husband’s pants, while the other was patching the knees.
There is a powerful lesson in that story. The difference between those who are joyful and live a life of peace and those who do not, is not found in circumstances. All of us face troubles and trials as we go through this life in a fallen, sin-filled world. The difference is internal—whether we gripe and complain and feel sorry for ourselves, or whether we turn to God, praying in faith for His grace to face our trials. The peace of God is not a random feeling that comes and goes. It is a conscious awareness of His presence found as we spend time in His Word and in prayer. Too often, prayer is a last resort rather than our first response to a challenge or trial.
Today’s Growth Principle:
No matter the troubles we face, there is peace for those who pour out their hearts to God.
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