The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Sally-Ann Small
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“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” (Phil 4:6–7 NIV).
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
One writer describes peace as “a state of tranquility or quietness of spirit that transcends
circumstances.” Our heavenly Father, knowing and understanding what we are going
through, gives clear instructions in our Scripture verse on how, despite our circumstances, we
can have the peace that only He provides. He first instructs us not to be anxious but to focus
on praying and petitioning and to accompany these with thanksgiving.
But sometimes, it seems that when we pray, the words “with thanksgiving” are habitually
inserted as part of a checklist on how to structure prayer in a way that would get us what we
want. So, what are some things we can intentionally thank God for during our tough times?
We can thank Him that: (i) He is in control of everything; (ii) He is on His throne, and His
kingdom rules over all; (iii) He abounds in wisdom and knowledge; (iv) He accomplishes His
purpose; and that (v) He does not lie nor change His mind, but He keeps His promises.
EXHORTATION
God says to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us. He will strengthen and help
us and uphold us with His righteous right hand. Because He is our sovereign God, we can
trust Him in all things.
PRAYER
Father, we thank You that when our trials come, we have the assurance of knowing that You
are with us. Help us, Lord, to focus on You and Your will in our lives. In the name of Jesus,
we pray. Amen.