Scripture for Today:  Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Driving through Provence in the south of France is best done with the windows open!  The wonderful aroma of growing lavender is not to be missed!  Fields and fields of this beautiful flower delight the eye and its fragrance is calming.  I have a small bush of lavender in my yard.  I always take a little more time weeding in its vicinity, just so I can enjoy its perfume a little longer!

Lavender is said to have many healthful benefits.  The oil is an anti-inflammatory and helps with headaches, burns and insect bites.  It is also a good insect repellent and smells so much better than most!  But what intrigues me is its relaxing and soothing properties, easing stress and aiding sleep.

Today’s verse tells us not to be anxious. Rather than suggesting lavender to ease stress, a much more effective remedy is ours! Prayer. When overcome with anxiety, God offers His amazing peace. And that peace envelops both heart and mind, feelings and thoughts. Tension in the body can be replaced with an amazing sense of calm when we are able to give over to God every worry and every “what if?”

My first inclination is to worry and tense up about things over which I have no control. Not only is my sleep disturbed, but I can work myself up to the point of tension headaches! But when I give over my concerns to the Lord in prayer, I am acknowledging that total control is in His loving and powerful hands. In relinquishing to Him any flimsy control I think I may have, I can relax. Because He is love He will always do what is good for me. Because He is just, He will always do the right thing.

Thank you Lord, that talking with You calms me down.

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)