“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:6-7 NLT]

God asks us to not be anxious about anything, but to pray and present our request to Him, all the while being thankful for all He has done, is doing and will do in our lives. He promises us that when we do that, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I’ve noticed one other thing about the birdfeeders in our backyard. Each evening several pairs of wild doves come by. They land in the feeder and immediately all the other birds scatter while the doves eat their fill. After they have eaten, they fly onto the fence and settle down. They preen themselves for a while, and then they sit side-by-side for an hour or so resting in the shade of the evening.

As I watch them each evening, I’m reminded that doves are a symbol of peace. I have no idea where these doves come from, they are wild birds that found our feeder and seem to enjoy our yard. They scatter everything else as they descend and then they simply rest with us.

I do not understand how the peace of God works. I know that things often do not immediately change when I present my cares, anxieties, and requests to God. Oftentimes, the circumstances remain the same.  Yet somehow, by that act of obedience in placing it all before Him, peace descends and scatters all my worries, and takes up its residence with me, just as these doves do every evening.

His promises are sure.