This is a tough week for me, closing down an office that’s been my work home for almost 16 years. I am literally running on the strength that Christ is providing. “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:12-13)

But I’ve learned that I can’t just ask for His strength. I must praise Him and bring Him my requests before Him with a clean heart. That means that I must first confess my sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Then I praise Him for His faithfulness, rejoice in Him and walk in obedience to His Word. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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.” (Phil 4:4-7) Then He will guard my thoughts and give me the peace only He can give.

I must keep my thoughts on things above and then not only will I have His peace, but I will have the God of peace with me! “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

If I want the God of peace with me, I must walk in obedience and in the order that His Word says, so that the devil can’t gain a foothold. No matter my frustrations, I am still to be a shining light to the world (Eph. 4:25-32). I would like to ask you to lift me up in prayer, especially today through Friday.