"We can put our trust and confidence in God's attention, love, faithfulness, and strength" Kathy Spampinato

Philippians 4: 19- 20 NIV "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"

This promise was written "To all God's people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons", from Paul and Silas. They state this encouragement with boldness and conviction: as a fact without dispute. When we have unmet needs, where do we get the conviction and faith to believe that God will meet us and that He has a plan to prosper us? Just being in the position of having needs that we do not know how to resolve, tempts us to panic, to worry, to cry out, to manipulate, to strive, and to work the problem. We try to create the answer. We get anxious, and seek help from every direction around us, while hoping that God will come through.

When problems present themselves, what is our gut reaction; our immediate response? Is it to frantically seek an answer and a fix, or to calmly bring the situation before the Lord?

Philippians 4: 6-7 encourages us. "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."

These 2 little verses pack a lot of power for hope and for change. First of all they advise us not to be anxious, regardless of the need or situation. We are admonished to combat the fear and panic that approaches our mind. We can resist panic by deciding to trust. We can once again lift our voice to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to take care of us. We can request His intervention believing that He will hear and act. We can put our trust and confidence in God's attention, love, faithfulness, and strength. When we do not have these characteristics, we recognize that He does. He is all that we need. He is the source of our fulfillment and our joy. He is the God who provides, regardless of the circumstances.

John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? "

Going again to Philippians 4:6-7 we remind ourselves that when we learn to turn our problems, our trust and our faith towards God, He promises that "the peace of God, which transcends understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This posture of trust will create spiritual power. The Father will protect not only your heart of hope, but your mind, in Christ Jesus. Your mind may be tempted to revisit facts, to rework possibilities, to rethink options, but God's power will deliver peace as you learn to yield to the will and ways of the one who loves you. You are no longer in control, but you know the one who is, is motivated by love. This peace goes beyond logic, and beyond what we can understand in the natural. It is a magnificent miracle of transformation. We abide in God's presence and peace.

2 Chronicles 16: 8b- 9a "Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."

What a promise to lean on! What a commitment to come to your aid and meet your need! Are you willing to lay down your worry and anxiety and take God at His word of promise? You will find Him faithful as have I, and your heart and mind will be guarded in Christ Jesus.