Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words | Dr. Glenn Burris tells about the time that he stopped by an airport kiosk, and his attention was caught by a nifty earpiece that conveniently collapsed into a very small, convenient-to-carry size.  He bought it.  After paying for the item, the vendor added that for eight dollars more he could buy a two-year replacement agreement.  Although he didn’t buy the extended warranty, the thought stuck in his mind.  He reflected on how nice it would be if in life we could pay just a little extra and buy some certainty concerning everything in our lives.[i]  But it just doesn’t work that way.

Sometimes we complain to God about it, too.  We tell Him it would be so much simpler if He would just tell us what’s around the corner—what tomorrow holds.  But He doesn’t do that.  Actually, God does something better.  He guarantees peace in the midst of our anxiety and worry.  In Philippians, chapter 4, He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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” (verses 6-7 NIV).

Now, that’s a warranty worth having!

Notice how it works.  First of all, we’re to bring everything—large or small—to Him through prayer.  And that prayer is to be with thanksgiving, for when we come to God with an attitude of thanksgiving, it shows we really believe He is going to take care of the issues we’re concerned about.  In turn, the warranty is that His peace will guard—or garrison—our hearts and minds.  Remember, prayer with thanksgiving is God’s guarantee of peace—backed by the God of the universe.

[i] Dr. Glenn Burris, Jr., “Journey of Faith” Prayer Guide, November 30, 2009