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REFLECTION

The theme of our reflection is “Encountering God in your worries” Encountering God in your worries means experiencing the presence of God in times of fear or trouble. We shall reflect on the fact we encounter God in our worries through prayer.

Beloved in the Lord, prayer gives us the opportunity and privilege to encounter God in our worries. No matter who we are, we are bound to experience anxiety, agony or misfortunes in life one way or the other. What makes the believer fortified or strengthened in times of challenge is their ability to leverage prayer to encounter God. Paul underscored the importance of prayer in the believer’s life and greatly encouraged us to “… 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 4:6-7) The Psalmist gives a testimony of encountering God as His shepherd and experiencing peace when he said ” The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; (Psalms 23:1-4). Again we see the power of prayer in enabling us to encounter God in our worries when “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10). Hannah who was barren and worried. She prayed and encountered the Lord in her worries, during the dedication of Samuel, her son, She said to Eli the priest ” “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. (1 Samuel 1:26-27). Jesus further assures not to worry but be tune with God and we shall be fulfilled, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33) Dear child of God, do you also believe you can encounter God in your worries through prayer and seeking His Kingdom and righteousness first? I have given you enough evidence that prayer is the key to encountering God in our worries therefore “pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) Let us begin and maintain a life and habit of prayer in all circumstances and especially in times of anxiety and agony.

In summary, we have discovered that we encounter God in our worries through prayer, and prayer enables us to experience the glory and peace of God even in times of anxiety or worry.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to remain prayerful, especially in times of worry and agony. May we always encounter God through prayer. Amen.