Beautiful Word Devotional #61

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

This verse may be very familiar to you, and it’s easy to miss the significance of this command. For instance, what exactly does petition mean? According to Dictionary.com, a petition is “a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority.”

At the end of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus reassured us that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to him (see Matthew 28:18). That means when we make our requests, we are asking them of the Supreme Ruler of the universe.

Jesus alone can remedy your stress. So make your anxieties known to the One who, with his unlimited authority, will respond with wisdom and love.

Lord, you are truly Lord of everything. I’m grateful I can share my worries with you, amen.