Let me share a text I recently received:

Surgery at 8:30 am. I’m pre-assessed, pre-tested, pre-checked so I could sleep an hour later. Yeah, right.

I think all cancer survivors are nervous when they cut you open for any reason, and I am no exception. Doctor says there is nothing to worry about. Cancer can’t grow anywhere he can see during this surgery.

But still, I’m wide awake, so I think I’ll just get up.

Anyone relate? Going through a challenging time? Let me share a passage of Scripture. Then we’ll work through it.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious 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.

I know it’s easy to say—Do not be anxious about anything…. You know the verse well. Some of you memorized it as a child. You know the verse is true. You have experienced God’s peace. But today is different.

Today, you face surgery…and then the treatment starts. Today, you are waiting on test results, and waiting is hard. Today, separation and divorce seem inevitable, and the future is uncertain. Today, you learned you’ve been let go. Today is another day in the job search…with no viable leads. Today was another reminder that what you really wanted is not going to happen. Today, the reality set in that he’s not coming back…that she’s really gone. Today is another day of not feeling well. You long to talk to your child, but today there was no call…no text…no e-mail…. Yes, you know the verse, but today is different.

You must know that even though today is different, God’s Word is still true. You can take your requests to him even when your offering is wrapped in anxiety with a big bow of fear. He’ll still take it…and in return, he’ll give you a peace that transcends human understanding. That peace will stand guard over your heart and mind. Because of him, today will be different…and tomorrow will be different too.

Lord, grant courage to the fearful. Give patience to the waiting. Supply strength to the weak. Lift the head of the discouraged. Restore the broken-hearted. Heal the sick in body. Guard hearts and minds with your peace. In Christ’s name. Amen.