THE GOD BAG

Philippians 4:6-13 (NRSV)

Do not worry 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.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.
- 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
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AS the matriarch of an ever-growing family, I'm constantly involved, at least emotionally, with problems and anxieties that spring up like garden weeds. They weigh heavily upon my heart. I want to fix everything for my loved ones, but I can't do it!

During a recent visit to my family doctor, I tearfully blurted out a particularly turbulent situation within the family. She patted my shoulder and said, "You need a God bag." Then she explained, "Write the problem on a slip of paper and place the slip in a bag labeled 'God bag.' Then give the problem to God."

I discovered that this exercise played a significant role in the healing process. Putting pen to paper in this way makes me face up to my inability to resolve problems myself. And I never permit myself to remove the written statement of problems I place in the "God bag." Leaving them there reminds me that they are in God's hands.

The "God bag" is never meant to replace prayer. We must always pray. But writing down the problem is a way of recognizing that God already has solutions for our most daunting challenges.

Prayer: Healer of body and soul, help us to rely on you for help with both large and small problems we face day by day. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
What concerns do I want to place in God's hands today?

-- Bernice Modzel (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Worriers