“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” 

– Colossians 4:2 NIV

Do you feel like your life is missing something? Are you happy? Do you feel satisfied? Or, are you looking for something? Do you feel anxious?

In today’s society, it’s easy to become caught up in the pursuit of happiness. We live in a world of instant gratification. Entertainment is available at the touch of a button or at the command of Siri. Fast food is available within minutes. And, if happiness is still not obtained, we might find ourselves turning our eyes to human relationships. But, are possessions, food, new friends or a significant other really the answer to this dilemma? Or are they just a futile attempt to fill any empty space?

Furthermore, with world news at the tips of our fingers, it is also easy to become anxious about all of the negative things happening in the world around us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  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 NIV

Philippians 4:4-7 provides the answer to this dilemma. First, it reminds us that our joy is found in the Lord. If we look anywhere else, we will turn up empty and dissatisfied. No physical possessions, foods, or relationships can fill the God shaped hole within us. This scripture also reminds us not to allow the situations around us to make us anxious, but instead pray. But, how do we pray? “Our prayers must express gratitude. It is good to be watchful and to pray, but if our prayers are only lists of requests in which we pray for favors, our approach is wrong. We have so much to be thankful for that we won’t have much time for other topics once we start giving thanks.” ((Solly Ozrovech, A Season of Hope, p. June 14) And, thankfulness gives us  confidence to present our request to God because it reminds us of what He has already done for us. Lastly, this scripture reminds us that we can only find the peace we desperately need in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to devote ourselves to prayer so that we can develop a closer relationship with You. Amen.

Solly Ozrovech, A Season of Hope. Vereeniging: Christian Art, Print.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

 -Matthew 28:19-20

This week, we had Vacation Bible School at my church. Matthew 28: 20 was one of the memory verses for the children. In this verse, Jesus promises us as His followers that He is always with us and will always be with us. Throughout the Bible we are reminded that we are not alone. The following are a few verses to remember, when we feel alone: 

• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

         -Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

• “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
  your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

        -Psalm 23:4 NIV

• “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”  

        -John 14:16-18

God promises us that He is always with us and that nothing can separate us from His love.  Romans 8:38-39 NIV says, “ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and we are His followers, we can count on never being alone because Jesus will always be with us and He never breaks His promises.   

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

-Hebrews 13:8 NIV

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank for all of Your beautiful promises. Thank you for the hope we have in You. And, thank you for the assurance that we are never alone, because You are always  with us. Amen.