God's Glory Church

“The Lord is near! Do not worry about anything, but in everything let your desires be revealed to God.” — Philippians 4:5-6

For more than thirty years, Lourdes, a vocal teacher in Manila, has taught students face-to-face. But when she was asked to teach online, she became worried. “I’m not very computer savvy,” she said. “My laptop is old and I’m not familiar with video conferencing platforms.”

For someone it may seem like a small thing, but for her it was a real stress. “I live alone, so there is no one to help me, she said. I am afraid that my students will drop out, and I need income.”

Before each class, Lourdes prayed that her laptop would work properly. “The screen saver on my screen was Philippians 4:5-6,” she said, “how I clung to those words!”

The Apostle Paul urges us not to worry about anything, because “the Lord is near” (Phil. 4:5). God’s promise of His presence is something we must hold on to. If we rest in God’s closeness, His peace “keeps the hearts… and… thoughts in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).

“God led me to computer troubleshooting websites,” Lourdes said. “He also gave me patient students who understood my technological limitations.” God’s presence, His help, and His peace are what we can enjoy as we strive to follow Him all the days of our lives. We can confidently say: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and I say again: rejoice!” (v. 4).

How do you find comfort in God’s presence? What specific requests can you make to Him today?

Dear God, thank you for being with me. In your presence, I don’t have to worry about anything.

Author: Karen Huang