I was reading this verse yesterday. Pondering it. As I have done many times in recent weeks. But this time I had a light bulb moment. You know what I mean. That moment when what you read really clicks.
I have read and quoted this verse hundreds of times. Perhaps even thousands of times.
I have rattled through this verse many times, but yesterday I was stopped in my tracks by this verse.
The verse tells us not to be anxious about anything. It tells us to pray about everything.
Never once does it say anything about the answer to our prayers.
It does say that when we stop worrying and when we pray about everything, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
It does not say that when our prayers are answered, then we will be at peace.
It does say that when we bring all our concerns to God, then His peace surrounds us and guards our hearts and minds.
The answer, in a sense, is irrelevant. The act of praying, of bringing all our concerns to God, is what brings us peace.
The answer to the request becomes a bonus. The blessing is in the praying.
Light bulb moment!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
from "What a Friend We have in Jesus"
words: Joseph Scriven; music: Charles C. Converse
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