Verse of the Day for July 28

Paul wrote this letter in chains, not knowing whether he would live or die. When he says Be careful for nothing, he is not a man without trouble. The cost of following Christ was sitting on his wrists.

So the instruction is not, stop caring. Careful here means anxious, full of care. The alternative he offers is not denial but speech: in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Every thing. Including the costly things.

Look at what he does not promise. He does not say God will remove the cost or grant every request. He promises that the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds. Keep is a soldier's word. It means to stand guard.

This peace does not explain the situation. It passes understanding, which means it often makes no sense to the people watching. It simply stands at the door of your heart while the hard thing goes on.

If obedience has cost you a promotion, a friendship, or your family's approval, name that to God, with whatever thanks you can honestly find. Then let his peace stand guard at the door while you go to work tomorrow.

Bring the costly thing to God by name, with whatever thanks you can find.

The peace of God can stand guard even where nothing has been explained.