Unwrapping Advent: Through Voices of Wisdom Dec 13
Friday, December 13, 2024
Day 13
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and
if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 As for the things that you learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4: 4–9, NRSVUE
Peace in His Presence
One minute I was talking normally. The next second I heard only gibberish words coming out of my mouth. The diagnosis was expressive aphagia. My doctor told me I needed a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test of my head.
I arrived for my first MRI. After checking in, I waited for my name to be called. Feeling nervous and anxious on the inside, I tried to appear calm. Let’s face it, I was afraid.
The test was explained to me in detail. I would lay in a narrow tube-like structure with my head immobilized for 30 minutes. Ear plugs would help drown out the loud noise from the magnet.
My turn arrived. The test would begin soon. Taking slow deep breaths, I closed my eyes and recited my favorite Bible passage, the 23rd Psalm, or the Shepherd’s Psalm. As I spoke the verses, I sensed the Good Shepherd was near. No need to worry or feel anxious.
Praising and thanking God, I counted my blessings. A feeling of peace that surpassed my understanding washed over me. Everything was going to be okay.
Reflect: Do you have a favorite Bible passage? When you read or recite the passage, does God’s presence wash over you?
Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Good Shepherd. Help me to remember the Lord is present, and I can always trust Him to guard my heart and mind. Peace in Him. Amen.
Nancy Wtipil
Methodist Women’s Fellowship