“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4–7

If you keep up with the current news on CBN or News Nation instead of other cable news programs, your level of anxiety may be moderate, but not high…high anxiety. There are still missionaries being held hostage in Haiti for a million dollars a person; they are feeling anxiety. Our fallen world, whether in the US or in Haiti or really anywhere seems to be losing control or the desire to do what is right in the eyes of our Creator. Father, how helpful it is to be reminded, nevertheless, that we are to celebrate Your name, Your work, Your power, Your character, all day every day in this fallen world, so that we might come to the place where we come to be in Your presence. What a grand reminder it is that Your Son could come at any moment. Father, find us ready for that. Lord, at times it is difficult for us to be ready for Your Call, as long as anxiety lives enthroned within us, so we pray that You will begin to do a work right now in the lives of those who love to worry. What a waste that we have spent so long in our lives fretting and worrying. Remind us today and in the days to come that prayer can truly displace and dissolve our worries. Time with You can become such a magnificent turning point, not only in this moment but in this day, so that we might begin to realize the power of Your peace as it settles us down. Help us to be still. Give us the ability, the discipline of mind, to meditate on and focus our attention toward that which is true and noble, reputable and authentic, compelling and gracious. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.