When Confused

Philippians 4:6-7 

New International Version (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For Meditation

He missed his flight by about twelve hours. It was one of those tricky flights because of their deceptive hours. His departing time was 2 am on March 13th, and his reporting time was 11 pm. So, Richard reported to the gate on time at 11:00 pm on Tuesday, March 13th.

To his surprise and horror, the check-in counter was empty. He didn’t realize the reporting time for the 2 am flight to Lagos on Tuesday, March 13th, was 11 pm on Monday, March 12th. Perhaps you’re confused, like many others who have missed their flights in this way. Disappointed, my friend changed his last dollar bills and took a taxi home.

My phone became assailed by an urgent call around 7 am. My friend needed one hundred fifteen dollars, money he thought he did not have, as a penalty to rebook his flight for that day, which I sent to him. Relieved and contented on the drive back to his house, he went into his wallet and Voila! He had more than he needed for the rebooking in the local currency. How the money he received for the dollars he exchanged at the airport the previous night registered a lesser amount in his mind is a mystery only God knows. Some days are like that, you know. My good friend did not need my help after all. 

In Philippians chapter four, the Holy Spirit advises us not to worry. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

When we allow disappointment to upset us, we lose ourselves in confused perspectives. Our sense of coordination deserts us, and we cannot think right. The surprise of the situation destabilizes our plans and sends us into a frenzy. We become angry and desperate. We fret and make poor decisions. Fear drives away our peace, giving way to anxiety (Matthew 8:23-25). However, God wants us to calm down at such times and whisper a prayer to Him with thankful hearts for His providence. With His peace in Christ Jesus ruling our hearts and minds, the fog will clear, and we will see clearly and make the right decisions. Like my friend, we may not have to do anything after all.

So, what is troubling you, honestly? What can you accomplish on your own without divine help? Can you, by faith and prayer, seek God’s face before making any rash decisions? 

Pray with Me.

Give us a steady mind and stability in every confusing situation, O Lord, so that we will not have a panic attack and give way to wrong and emotional impulses and flawed decisions. In stormy moments, we need your calming presence and peace through Christ Jesus. Amen.

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