Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 3:4
As we saw yesterday, God wants our hearts to be transformed by Him and His Word. Again, outward beauty is not bad because the body we dwell in is God’s holy temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20) and we must take care of His temple. But God does give us a beautiful explanation of our heart in 1 Peter 3:4 in the Amplified Version of His Word, being “calm and self–controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature.” Too many wives (as well as husbands and people in general) live with incredible anxiety and little or no self–control in the daily affairs of life. Much of this anxiousness is caused due to an astonishing lack of spiritual maturity. Too many Christians have little or no daily intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. When Christians choose to fill each day with their busy schedules and do not prioritize their time with God and His Word, they should not be surprised when anxiety takes control. But God tells us how to deal with anxiousness in several areas of His Word. One particular Scripture is 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. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Only by pursuing intimacy through our fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ, feeding deeply on His Word, and submitting entirely to His Spirit in us can we live our lives according to God’s precious Truth.
Challenge & Application
1. Since our body is God’s holy temple, how are you taking care of God’s temple and pursuing inward beauty so that your heart is transformed?
2. How are you prioritizing your time in God’s Word and talking with Him daily so you overcome anxiousness of any kind?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!