Philippians 4:6-8
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.

So many Christians rely on this scripture passage. To say it is familiar to most would be an understatement. Because it is, I may become blind to its riches each time I read it. Does this happen to you, too? If so, I’ve discovered a fun activity to help me find the sparkle in a familiar passage from scripture.

I ask questions based on the scripture. Asking questions helps me focus on the passage’s intent and brings renewed insight and perspective to me. You can try this with familiar scriptures, too.

I’ve learned that questions encourage me to slow down and search for the value I have missed! Like the assortment of gemstones, questions bring out the principles of the verses that my own weary, ho-hum meaning have dulled. I am inspired to engage scripture and see again the treasure from a well-worn, familiar passage. Plus, the simple exercise opens my heart and invites the Holy Spirit to teach me!

Let’s look at Philippians 4:6-8.

What’s the command? Do not be anxious.

What’s the alternative to anxiousness? I can present my requests to God.

How do I present my requests to God? By prayer – petitioning God, but also thanking God for all He’s done and will do.

What assurance or promise happens when I do this? The peace of God will come into my heart and my mind.

How big is this peace? It transcends all my understanding and has the ability to guard my heart and my mind.

What does this peace which transcends all understanding do? It guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.

Simple, yet profound. Now, you try it. Take a familiar verse or passage and revisit it with questions based on the verse. When you ask questions and find the answer in the passage, you will see it with new perspective. Next, you can pray the passage and meditate on it for encouragement. Then enjoy the sparkle on a familiar passage! And go share it with a friend.

©Valerie Rumfelt