When You Struggle to Choose Peace Instead of Worry
Your Nightly Scripture
Evening Scripture
Philippians, Chapter 4
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
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.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Evening Reflection
If you’ve come across this tonight, it’s because the Lord wants you to know that worry is not from Him; however, He understands, in our frailty, that worry is part of the human condition. We see throughout the Bible that God meets worry with the confirmation that He is in control. He sees the circumstances and situations. He is not surprised by where you find yourself, even though you may be. He isn’t wrestling with how He’s going to make a way forward for you. He knows the way forward. He knows what you need and when you will need it.
We read in Philippians 4 a letter of encouragement, exhortation, and prayer. We see God speaking clearly through Paul's writing, reminding believers not to be anxious but to be faithful in prayer. Knowing that we can bring all our requests to the Lord, we do not need to feel shame but should be overcome with gratitude and thanksgiving that we have a Savior to whom we can bring our anxieties.
Within the prayers of our burdens and thanksgiving, we will find peace. Real peace. The fullness of God’s guardianship over our hearts and minds. He will give us what we need to bring us through the valley. He will prompt us to meditate on the things that are lovely, pure, honorable, and excellent. Reminding us that what God has put into motion in creation and us as His created image bearers will be taken care of.
Evening Prayer
Father,
As evening comes and the world seems to shut down, my racing thoughts do not. Please, help me find peace in your presence. Remind me that you are a God of listening. You hear the cries of our hearts, and you lead us to what is true. I pray for rest and a release of the anxieties I carry. You ask me to carry nothing but your light, rid me of the load I’m carrying that you’ve not asked me to bear.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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