“I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12,13 NET
The One God,
I have experienced all sorts of times Lord, and I have learned, not always contentment, but about trust and about myself! I have learned the situations that I do not handle well and the situations I would rather avoid. Difficult people, conflict, dentists! Situations where I need to say something that not everyone will like or doing something new. . . I suppose for all of us it is something different. I would like to have Your contentment as my foundation so I do not drown in fear or feel deflated.
Paul witnessed and promised that we can find, in You, all the strength we need to do and to get through these things and times. He does not say we will not have human emotions or that we can avoid them! But even if the outcome is not good – sickness, false accusations, financial difficulties – You can see us through. We need not to be utterly defeated.
Teach us, as we go, God. Help us to own our emotions but rely on Your steadfastness to get through. Help us to hold up Your shield of faith to protect our hearts and minds. Give us confidence to know we are still in Your care in tough times and even failure. Show us the best way to handle situations when we feel out of our depth. Thank You that You are with us and for us, always.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God,
For family, friends, neighbours, be with them in their ups and downs and meet their needs.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, give them Your inner strength and faith..
For all the Royal family. Charles ongoing treatment. Kates full recovery. Healing of rifts.
For our local councillors and those who will be up for election.
For our government and MPs and their families. Raise up and bring down the right people.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Change Russia to end their attack.
For Gaza an end to killing. Bombard them with Your peace and open a way to negotiate a ceasefire.
For changes in Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
For those who are in need of a vision of heaven and the life to come.
For those going through bereavement, big or little difficulties and life’s annoyances.
For us a good day, fresh faith, fresh hope and to see beyond todays irritations and frustrations.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 21st February 2024
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is well, (it is well), with my soul (with my soul).
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.