ZPCBlog

About the Author: Emily Etter has attended ZPC with her husband Nick for six years. Nick has attended ZPC since childhood. Emily serves as an active leader in the Young Adults Ministry and volunteers with NextGen on Sundays and during VBS. The Etters are also a part of a Young Adults Home Group, where they've built many strong friendships. Outside of ZPC, they enjoy spending time with their dog, Finn, and exploring local restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. Emily also coaches competitive and varsity cheerleading at Zionsville Community High School.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 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 4:4-7

Paul challenges us to “rejoice in the Lord always” The word "always" here is not just about rejoicing when everything is going well, but in every circumstance, whether good or bad. This speaks to our daily choice to focus on God's goodness, even when our circumstances aren’t favorable. I don’t know about you, but how I begin my day often sets the tone for everything that follows. The attitude we choose when we wake up can shape our outlook on the day ahead and determine how we respond to life’s challenges. This passage invites us to find reasons to rejoice in God’s love, even on tough days. Whether it’s the simple gift of a new day or the deeper hope we have in Christ, choosing to rejoice in the Lord is a decision we make each morning to help prepare our hearts and minds for the day.

We live in a world that is more connected than ever, but that connectivity also exposes us to constant comparison, fear, and anxiety. Everyday things like social media or reading the news can stir up feelings of inadequacy or overwhelm. Fear and anxiety can easily invade our minds, especially first thing in the morning. This is where prayer comes in. Paul invites us to replace worry with prayer. Prayer isn’t just about asking God for things when we need help. It’s about continually bringing our concerns, our burdens, and our daily struggles to him. It's about making God a constant part of our thoughts and decisions. The act of praying is an intentional choice to trust God with what’s weighing on us. Whether it's the stress of a busy day ahead or the uncertainty of the future, we can bring it all to him in prayer, trusting that he cares.

Finally, Paul promises that God’s peace will “transcend all understanding” and “guard our hearts and minds.” This peace is not based on our circumstances but rather a calm that comes only when we trust that God is in control, even when everything feels out of control. Peace is available to us every day, not just the “good” days. By choosing joy, prayer, and trust in God, we can experience peace in every moment, regardless of the chaos around us. It’s a peace that “transcends understanding,” guarding us from the constant noise and anxiety of the world. And the best part? It’s available to us the moment we wake up, as we choose to start our day with trust in God.

Prayer

Lord,
Help me to trust You with today. I give You my worries, my fears, and my plans.
Amen

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