Daily Reading Week 44
Sunday
Philippians 4 (Scripture Focus verse 6)
Discover:
In a recent sermon on this topic Paul Washer presented a good analogy. He said if his good friend ran into the room and said “Paul, throw me the keys to your Jeep”, he would readily throw them over. He said many would object and say, “Aren’t you worried about what your friend is going to do”. His response was “I don’t have to know what he is going to do because I know who he is”.
In Philippians 4:4–7, Paul uses familiar first-century ideas but gives them a Christian twist, highlighting joy and peace as key signs of God’s kingdom (Rom. 14:17). He contrasts the “peace of God” with anxiety, urging us not to let fear take over. While we should plan wisely for our needs, we must trust God’s power and provision over our own efforts. No matter our worries or dreams, God is in control, and His purpose prevails.
How do we find peace? First, remember that Jesus is near—both present with us through His Spirit and coming soon. This assures us He’ll strengthen us now and that our worries won’t last forever. Second, prayer brings peace. It’s not about getting everything we want but about connecting with God, who reminds us of His past and future faithfulness. We don’t have to worry about what God is going to do because we know who He is.
Respond:
1. What usually triggers panic in your life?
2. Why do you think Paul could honestly say “don’t be anxious” even in jail?
3. How can prayer become your first instinct instead of your last resort?
Monday
Matthew 6 (Scripture Focus 25–27)
Discover:
Despite our efforts to secure our lives with savings, insurance, or safety measures, fear still grips our society. From terrorism and diseases to crime and natural disasters, anxiety is everywhere. This isn’t new—people have always feared something, whether it’s heights, snakes, or public speaking, which surveys often rank as Americans’ top fear.
At its core, fear reflects our worry about the future. We fear heights because we might fall; we dread storms because they could bring destruction. The unknown terrifies us because we can’t control it. Jesus understands this, which is why He often says, “fear not”. In Matthew 6, He challenges our constant worrying, pointing out that if God cares for birds and flowers—less valuable than us—He’ll surely provide for our needs. We’re not to obsess over tomorrow but trust God to handle it.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan—Scripture praises wise preparation. The issue arises when we rely on our plans instead of God. We fear the future because we know our control is limited, but God holds the future. He doesn’t promise a trouble-free life, but He does promise to be with us always. Today, reflect on where you place your trust. If unexpected changes or constant worries overwhelm you, it might signal a struggle to trust God. Lean on Him for your security today.
Respond:
1. What everyday things do you find yourself worrying about?
2. How has God already shown His care for you?
3. How can trusting Him as Provider calm your anxieties?
tuesday
Psalm 46 (Scripture Focus Verse 10)
Discover:
As Christians, it’s tough to keep faith when life seems to contradict God’s promises. He assures us strength and deliverance, yet sometimes we feel weak and abandoned. The Israelites faced this too, but the faithful clung to God’s promises, trusting His sovereignty. Puritan Thomas Watson noted that despite God’s promise to make David king, Saul’s pursuit threatened David’s life—yet David trusted God. Psalm 46 reflects this trust, declaring God as “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”.
The psalm emphasizes God’s providence, reminding us He’s in control, fulfilling His promises in His way. We’re called to “be still” and trust Him. Unlike powerless idols, Israel’s God is alive, mighty, and faithful, giving us no reason to fear. As Calvin said, even when the world seems to collapse, God’s power ensures our hope, helping us stay calm.
Today, we rarely talk about “providence,” but believers once saw God’s hand in all of life, not chance. Let’s revive this trust in God’s providence, praising Him for guiding and preserving us through every trial.
Respond:
1. Why is it so hard to “be still” in anxious moments?
2. How does stillness help you refocus on God’s presence?
3. What’s one way you can practice stillness this week?
Wednesday
1 Thessalonians 5 (Scripture Focus 16–18)
Discover:
The Christian life isn’t easy—Jesus warned of suffering and cross-bearing, though with joys now and eternal blessings later. In trials, it’s hard to maintain the joy and thanksgiving of a kingdom citizen, yet 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 calls us to persevere in faith, holding onto hope. The early Christians, facing persecution, were told to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances”.
This doesn’t mean these are God’s only expectations—Paul also urges avoiding sin, loving others, and working diligently. Nor does it mean constant prayer or forced happiness. Instead, we’re to approach all of life—good and bad—with a spirit of prayer, gratitude, and joy. We don’t thank God for evil itself but give thanks in every situation, trusting His plan works for our good and His glory. While there’s a time to grieve, we can find a deeper joy in knowing we belong to Christ, who promises unimaginable joys in eternity.
Respond:
1. What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?
2. How does gratitude change your response to stress?
3. How could you make thanksgiving a daily rhythm?
THursday
Colossians 3 (Scripture Focus 15–16)
Discover:
In Colossians 3:14–17, Paul describes the new life in Christ, emphasizing love as the chief virtue. God is love and love marks us as Jesus’ followers. It’s the foundation for kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. True forgiveness—letting go of ill will and not holding sins over others—flows from love, just as God’s love led to our forgiveness. Without love, outward virtues like kindness or patience are hollow, as John Chrysostom notes: good deeds without love “melt away”.
Paul also calls us to let “the peace of Christ rule” in our hearts. This isn’t about personal decision-making, like feeling “peace” about a choice, but about fostering harmony in the church community. As part of one body, our decisions—whether by leaders or individuals—should aim for peace without compromising the gospel. Let’s choose words and actions that build unity, not unnecessary conflict, in the body of Christ.
Respond:
1. How does thanksgiving invite Christ’s peace into your heart?
2. What role does God’s Word play in calming your anxiety?
3. How could worship (music, prayer, Scripture) become part of your response to worry?
Friday
Matthew 7 (Scripture Focus 7–8)
Discover:
Jesus’ model prayer teaches us the incredible privilege of calling God “Father”. Once enemies of God through Adam, we’re now adopted as His children through Christ. This sonship grants all believers—men, women, and children—the abundant life Jesus rightfully possesses. Covered in Christ’s righteousness, we approach God with awe, not terror, knowing He cares about our every need.
The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 120) assures us that our Father will provide what we ask in faith—meaning requests rooted in trust, not sin. No concern is too small for Him. In Matthew 7:7–11, Jesus compares God’s care to that of earthly parents. If we, despite our sinfulness, give good gifts to our children, how much more will our perfectly good Father give us what we need? This truth encourages us to pray boldly, trusting in His loving provision.
Respond:
1. Why do we sometimes hesitate to pray about our needs?
2. What’s one specific request you need to bring to God today?
3. How does Jesus’ invitation to ask encourage you?
Saturday
James 5 (Scripture Focus Verse 16b)
Discover:
Why pray if God is sovereign and has already determined everything ? Simply put, God ordains both the outcomes and the means to achieve them. Just as He planned for the gospel to spread through the church’s efforts, He uses our prayers to accomplish His will. For example, in 1 Kings 17:1–7 and 18:41–46, God ordained both the drought in Israel and its end, but Elijah’s prayers were the means He used to bring these events about. God’s plan and Elijah’s prayers worked together because God designed it that way.
Our prayers don’t change God’s mind—He knows our needs before we ask. Yet, prayer changes things, as “the prayer of a righteous person has great power” (James 5:16). We may not know every detail of God’s plan, but we know He works through our prayers and answers those aligned with His will. So, let’s pray earnestly, trusting God uses our intercession to fulfill His purposes.
Respond:
1. Do you truly believe prayer is powerful? Why or why not?
2. How have you seen prayer bring peace or breakthrough in your life?
3. What situation do you need to commit to prayer instead of panic right now?