BENEFITS OF CONNECTING WITH GOD

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Our verse of focus provides the needed admonition for healthy living. The verse means, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress. Our feelings of anxiety are fear of the future. We often fear the possibility of job loss, of ill-health, of a vehicular accident, or other situations that can negatively impact our lives. Today's verse offers us words of admonition, of advice and of aid -"do not be anxious for anything". It does not matter what the experiences of life may be, we must not become distressed, jittery, jumpy, restless or fretful.

Such is the position that God desires us to reach, so that our lives would be more enjoyable. The reality comes, as we develop a meaningful relationship with God, and learn to trust Him and listen to His voice. Today's verse supplies the alternative to worrying, which is, " that in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Prayer gives us the distinct opportunity to talk to God about our desires, our joys, our discomforts and our fears. What is comforting, is the fact that He extends the invitation to us, to come to Him in prayer and present our requests before Him. The prayer of faith is power. It is knowing that God hears and answers our supplications. Prayer is intimate time with God.

Prayer helps to build our confidence in Him. Prayer is the avenue that God provides for us to relieve stress. May we daily connect with God through prayer. It soothes the mind and calms our fears.