IN HIS HANDS
- Key Verse
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)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God is in control, and God is good. If we live in relationship with Him, not getting anxious about our lives, but putting our hope in Him, God will give us His peace that protects our hearts and minds.
Reflections
From a young age, I knew that God had the whole world in His hands. Yet, when it comes to parts of my life that mean the most to me, I don't always act like I believe this.
A few years ago, my husband and I were so excited to learn that I was pregnant. We immediately sat down together and prayed, knowing that we were not guaranteed anything in life, and we wanted to be thankful for everything.
When that pregnancy ended in miscarriage, I experienced deep grief. I tried as best as I could to trust God and not be anxious or fearful.
A few months later, I was pregnant again. I knew I needed to hold this child with open hands, because the tighter my grip, the less I trust God to take care of me -- no matter what. This pregnancy ended the same as my first. I was initially angry, but then I knew that God is good, and He would use my experience for His glory. Within a few months, I was pregnant for the third time.
God taught me that I needed to hold this child with open hands, because this child is in His hands. I may lose this child here on earth, but God is not going to lose His grip, so I need not be anxious.
Ultimately, I want His will to be done, and I trust that He can use any hardship I experience for His glory. Now that I have a one year-old son, it's even more difficult not to be anxious over him. This lesson is something I return to continually, so that I can be reminded to trust God, even with my son's life.
After all, God Himself loves us so much that He sent His own Son as a ransom for us.
Discussion Questions
1. What uncertainty about your future is causing you to be anxious? What are you clinging to that you are anxious about losing?2. Trust that God has everything safely in His hands. How can you start to hold your future and the things in your life with open hands because that is true?
3. What time can you set aside to talk to God? When you pray, do you start by thanking God for all the blessings in your life?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
August 13-17 (Philippians 1 - Colossians 1)
Read Philippians 2: 1-11.
• What does it mean to be selfish or to try to impress others?
• Why would those things go against what God would have you do?
• What, instead, does Paul say we should do? (verse 3 & 4)
• What would it look like in your own life to do those things?
• What did Christ do for you?
• How did He show humility?
• Is it easy for you to be humble, not seek everyone's approval, and to serve others above yourself?
Activity: At a family meeting, ask each person to identify someone to serve. For the person you identify, think about doing something that puts that person before yourself. Try to think of someone who cannot do anything for you in return!
Katie
August 16, 2012 06:05 AM
Thank you Audrey. You are wise beyond your years. This devotional was very timely for me. God is funny like that.
Doris wiseman
August 16, 2012 08:17 AM
Audrey So excited when I saw your sweet face on the devotional this morning. Your words were so lifting this morning. Thank you for sharing
Amanda G
August 16, 2012 08:30 AM
Audrey, what a wonderful devo. Rings so true for me with my own fearful, anxious flesh, especially around my children. How grateful I am that in those valleys, God drew me near to him. He is good, all the time!!! Proud of you, girl!
Robin Koehling
August 16, 2012 09:12 AM
What a blessing you have been to me! Walking through these hard times with you and Ian and seeing how you faithfully rely on God, has encouraged me to give my fears to Him who is in control. I love you dearly - mom.
Debbie
August 16, 2012 09:15 AM
Thank you for sharing your story Audrey! I think our children are the toughest to not be anxious about. The Lord loves them more than we do and that is unimaginable for me but I know it is true! You are a wonderful mother!
Sheri
August 16, 2012 09:20 AM
Audrey Great job! You have nailed my go-to verses for calming my anxious heart over my children! I just shared these verses yesterday with a new friend who struggles in the same way. Your life is a blessing and testimony to many.
Martha
August 16, 2012 09:47 AM
Thank you Audrey! Wow, this is my week to really get to know you via WM. Your words spoke loudly to me as I always seem to be anxious about my boy's happiest, friendships, and welfare. But you are right it is all in God's hands. Thank you again for allowing God to bless me with your words.
Theresa
August 16, 2012 12:54 PM
Thank you for sharing! This was so calming to know that we just need to calm down, not stress about the little things and focus on one thing-God. Really puts things, life in perspective! Thank you!
Sue Bohlin
August 16, 2012 02:58 PM
Great, great devo, Audrey, on one of the best verses in the whole Bible. Thank you for your transparency! For some reason, I just really loved verse 5, "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men." My favorite translation is "sweet reasonableness." What a testimony of the indwelling Christ--the peace that comes from fully trusting Him, and the sweet reasonableness that comes from being transformed into His likeness.
Patti Jones
August 17, 2012 07:28 AM
You nailed it, Audrey!!! You challenge me to trust God -not trust Him more...just TRUST Him! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!! Keep me posted on newest baby on the way. That little guy you love is so blessed that you traded that cubilcal in to pour your life & love & Jesus' love into him:). Raising the next generation for Christ!! You go girl!