It is late Friday night. It has been a very long week. I have been gone since 5 am this morning and just now getting home at 11:30 at night. The weekend plans are packed with 3 soccer games, 1 baseball game, 2 meetings and probably 4-5 hours of work, maybe more. And at some point I need to pack and prepare for a three-day trip. I am tired. And there is no foreseeable rest in sight.
I quickly opened the Bible tonight, ready to just crawl into bed and collapse. Here is what God told me:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
The section is labeled “Joy and Peace”. And that is exactly what I need right now. God always knows just what to say! I rejoice in the Lord! He is mighty indeed and He is near. I will let go of my anxieties (hand them over to God) and in prayer and petition, make my requests known to God. Lord, I need rest. I need help. I look to you. I put my trust in you. Lead me, guide me, hold me.
Now I just need to think about what is true and honorable and just and pure and lovely and gracious and excellent and worthy of praise. I think about God because what else is all of these things? GOD. God and all that He creates. The beautiful sunrise breaking through the darkness of night. The new buds on the trees and the daffodils starting to bloom. The newborn calf and the 5-year old’s laugh. Friends forged in faith. LOVE.
Peace
Joy
Thank you God!
Sufficient Grace 
Patty – Thank you for this late sufficient grace! I admire your dedication after such a long day. You truly are an obedient disciple! It’s so hard sometimes to rejoice and be at peace when you have so many things going on and so much to do. I once heard that if you are too busy- that’s when you need to pray more. Perhaps it’s so you can hear his message and prioritize better, or maybe it’s to strengthen you and help you along the tough time.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for our friend Patty! So willing to do your will every day, even at this late hour in sharing your word for us – for you. You always have the right words at the right times! Thank you for your words tonight so that Patty can rest peacefully knowing you’ve got this! Help her to discern and to know what she needs so that she can ask you for your guidance and support. Help her in all that she does in these next several days, to acknowledge what is true, to be honorable in everything she does, to be just, to value what is pure, to appreciate all that is lovely, to be gracious toward everyone – including herself, to see the excellence in all she does for you, and to remember to praise you as each hour passes with You at her side. May your peace stay with her when all else is hectic and rushing by so quickly.
Joy and peace to you, Patty!
LikeLike