"Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, etting God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will ome and settle you down.  It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."  

Philippians 4:6-7, The Message translation.

One of the greatest joys about Facebook is the ability to engage in a live chat with folks who have 'friended' me.  Sometimes it's a member of our church just saying 'hi' because we're both on line at the same time (LOVE that!).  But now and then, someone chats with me because they have an immediate need for pastoral advice.  I corresponded today with a friend who lives in Milwaukee, WI and she was in great need of a Bible passage that could calm her anxious heart.  Her husband is about to change jobs and this new job will result in changing everyone's lives in the family.  Every nerve in her body felt like a live wire and she could not calm down. 

I pointed her to the passage above.  It's my very favorite.  In fact, I own a bracelet with this passage on it and I wear it when I am anxious about something.  I'm reminded of the peace and calm that Christ alone can provide when I place him at the center of my life instead of fear.  As we explored this passage together and what it meant to her, her shoulders relaxed and she felt the electricity drain from her 'live wire' nerves.  The peace that Christ offers CAME to her as promised.  It will come to you, too.  Just breathe and pray.  Breathe and pray.....
 
Prayer

Almighty God, comforter and counselor - you know the worries I have within my heart today.  Please calm my anxious heart and give me your peace that surpasses anything I may try to comprehend.  Soothe my fears and quiet my breathing.  Help me to fret less and trust more.  Amen.
 
Rev. Wendy Curran