Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
When confronted with a decree that went against his conscience (Daniel 6), Daniel, got down on his knees three times a day and prayed, giving thanks to God. Later, surrounded by lions in that den, Daniel had only one option, he knelt and prayed. Daniel understood that whether he lived or died, his hope was in God alone.
When Hannah could not bear the shame and humiliation of her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:6) she prayed. The Bible records that her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk (1 Samuel 1:13). Hannah understood in that moment of her desperation, that her hope was in God alone.
What desperate situation are you facing today? Perhaps you are feeling cornered like Daniel, or empty like Hannah. Maybe you’ve turned to friends, and their counsel has left you feeling judged and confused. Or could it be that you have no friends and are feeling all alone?
Paul, writing to the Philippians says: do not be anxious. Cast aside anxiety, that’s for unbelievers. Instead, bring every situation to God in prayer. Petition God as Daniel and Hannah did, with thanksgiving. Make your requests known to him. And when you have done so, you will have the peace you need.
There are many situations in the world right now that may have left you feeling cornered and anxious. I encourage you to hold on to hope, but your hope must be in God alone. It should not be in your boss, in your spouse, in your children or in your friends and relatives or anything else under the sun. The only hope that matters is hope in the God of heaven. God’s ear is inclined to those who fear, worship and hope in him. He promises them the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). May this hope and peace be yours today and always.
Loving God, my hope is in you alone. I present to you these situations that I now name… (fill your requests here). Grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding through Christ Jesus our Lord. Then give me the strength to speak of this hope to those I meet today. Amen.