2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Daniel 2:24-3:30 ESV, 1 Peter 4:7-5:14 ESV, Psalm 119:81-96 ESV, Proverbs 28:15-16 ESV
Daily Verse: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7 ESV)
SOPHRPNEO (4993): “Signifies “to be of sound mind,” or “in one’s right mind, sober-minded.”[1]
Sound mind.
Peter warns the church that things will end. Remaining vigilant in prayer requires self-control and a sober mind. Jesus taught responsible living, keeping our minds alert and aware by not overindulging in things of the world.
When my sweet Sophia, an 11-year-old, 7-pound rat terrier, broke free from her leash and ran off, my mind went into a frenzy. Panic set in quickly as I rushed around the neighborhood, trying to find her. Self-control took a back seat to my emotions in those first harrowing moments.
Pray, not panic.
One of my often-used prayers from “Three Word Prayers for Everyday Living” calmed my frantic mind, “Pray, not Panic.” Reason began to return as I focused my thoughts on God and asked for His intervention. Sophia didn’t return immediately, but peace came to me and helped me reason.
Prayer settles our souls when we feel panicked. Unlike any other coping tool, enlisting God in our daily lives keeps us focused, not allowing our human desires to overcome us.
But if we overindulge in things that alter our mental state, our prayers become less effective because of our altered states of mind. Remaining self-controlled and sober-minded help maintain a realistic view of the world around us and keep our minds focused on prayer.
Time never stops, passing quickly. Life on earth requires alertness to the happenings around us. When we use self-control and keep our minds sound, we can use effective prayers to guide us through our days.
Stay in touch with God today. Talk to Him often through prayer and supplication. Start your conversation with thanksgiving and praise, lifting your requests to the Creator, knowing God will answer in His time.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 246) Thomas Nelson
