Daily Devotional

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

In the passage above Paul hands us advice on what we can do in every situation to find peace. His solution is through prayer and petition. when we do this we receive the peace of God, which we are told will guard our hearts.

Later in the same passage, we see a little more of the character of Paul and how his peace is manifested:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11-13

The Apostle Paul witnessed great miracles and had great success as a preacher, but he also suffered much pain, sadness, and persecution. Paul had many ups and downs, but he learned how to have peace and contentment in all circumstances.

He trusted in Jesus. When you trust in Jesus, you can find peace even in the most difficult times!

How are you feeling today? In all situations, pray and trust in God.

Find help in difficult times here

"⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
- Philippians 1:9-11

This is a beautiful prayer made by the apostle Paul to the Philippians; indirectly, it has also reached each of us. In it, he asks for love to increase in two fundamental things:

1. knowledge
2. perception

An increase in love is fundamental nowadays. But it's not something nominal or superficial. Love implies knowledge and all perception (discernment, being attentive). This means that we need to know more about the object of our love: God in the first place, and our neighbor as ourselves.

In addition, we also need to be attentive, with all perceptions, to love more and better. This means no longer being insensitive and alienated, but paying attention to others and their needs. Remember, you were and are loved by the greatest Love in the world. That's why you can also show greater love for God and others.

Love in Action!

• Being loved and loving changes our understanding of living, it should change our attitude towards everything and everyone.
• Look for ways to get to know God better, through a personal relationship with Him. Also, try to get to know the reality of other people. Get involved, participate, and find ways to love more.
• Pray more and get to know the Bible better - reading, preaching, Bible studies, and courses are good ways.
• Look around you, like the "good Samaritan". See what you can do for others today.
• Ask God to increase your love (and that of the whole church), to love with knowledge and a good understanding and sensitivity.

Pray:

Lord our God, help me to love more.
Teach me to love you faithfully above all things, and also to love those who are the object of your love.
May I notice those who suffer along the way and extend my arms to the afflicted.
Increase knowledge and a good understanding of life, so that Your love is reflected in me and reaches out to others around me. In the name of Jesus, I thank you for everything.
Amen!