Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 4:6 & 7, where we read these great words:
"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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Anxiety gives way to peace, when we Christian church members bring our troubles to Christ, once again assuring ourselves that we are in right relation to God, on the basis of Jesus' work alone (apprehended by faith). A lot of people pray, and are yet not relieved of their anxieties, because they are not trusting in Christ alone. (They add something else to the mix.)
God will never give true and settled peace to anyone, except those in His church who trust in Jesus' blood (plus nothing). Let us be numbered among the few (and the humble), [to work off of a Marine expression].
[Puritan quote of the day: "Those who converse much with God have shining hearts and shining conversations [lives].” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in "Hope"]