Sunday, March 13, 2011

Take it To the Lord In Prayer

"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 4:6-7

What a comforting verse.  I did a research study last year on mental health issues and medication for disorders like anxiety.  Researchers have found that purely medicating people with mental health problems doesn't cure them.  Medication just masks the problem.  That's why treating anxiety disorders requires more than just Prozac.  Psychiatrists try to prescribe combination treatment with medication and behavioral therapy--both of which are expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to administer.  Meanwhile, Philippians tells us that Christians don't have to have anxiety because we can have peace--and not just any peace.  God promises us peace which surpasses all comprehension if we just give our requests to God in prayer. 

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.


Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.


Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.


Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.


--What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Joseph M. Scriven

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