We learn so many truths about who God is from the Scripture and we would do well to remember them. For example, we learn that God is love (see 1 John 4:8). This truth tells us that everything God does then is loving. If you have forgotten what Biblical love is, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The Scriptures are replete with reminders of God’s patience, longsuffering, kindness, grace, and mercy. Sadly though, many of us struggle to filter our thoughts, prayers, and relationship with God based on the Biblical truth that must guide and govern us.

The classic Hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” challenges us with this thought:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

Fun fact, that hymn was published in 1789. I imagine that this truth has echoed across time for the Saints of God. Far too often we lose out on the peace, joy, and contentment that only Christ can provide because we try figure so much out on our own. There is a Biblical premise I see in the Scriptures, a type of cause and effect. It goes something like this, we humbly come to God in faith and prayer, we seek His grace, mercy, or help, and God does what we are powerless to do.

Far too often, many of us (myself included) forfeit the supernatural peace that passes all understanding because we try apart from Christ. Paul gives us this reminder: do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV) As we grow in Christ, this beautiful act of faith filled dependence should be a growing part of our Christian experience.

First, Paul challenges us not to be anxious. If we are experiencing anxiety, we should cast that on the Lord knowing that He cares for us (see 1 Peter 5:7). Next, the call is to bring everything to the Lord in prayer. That includes the small things, the big things, and the in-between things. Stop believing the lie that our humble dependence on the Lord is an irritation to Him or an indicator of our faithlessness. The opposite is true… when we demonstrate a faithful trust and dependence on God in the big and small things, it brings God glory and results often in His provision and peace.

Supplication, according to Oxford Languages, is defined as: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly. According to the tool HELPS Word-Studies, “the practical force behind this word is a heart-felt petition, arising out of deep personal need.” So, we pray with a humble, reliant heart and always with an attitude of gratitude and then the peace of God guards our heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Today, as Christ followers, I want to encourage you to do exactly what the Scripture says: Draw near. Don’t let pride, bad theology, ignorance, or stubbornness keep you from coming to your loving heavenly Father to experience the rest and help your soul desperately longs for (see Matthew 11:28 and Hebrews 4:16). Never forget that our God isn’t running low on provisions of grace, in Christ He is still lavishing it on us in unimaginable, wonderful ways.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (Ephesians 1:7-8 ESV)