April 13, 2017 BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
You might be thinking that whoever wrote this had no idea of the culture and the times in which we live today. The instruction to “Be anxious for nothing” may seem to be beyond reach, yet that is exactly what God is saying to us. In order for us to live without being anxious, we must know in the deepest part of our being that God is the creator and that He is ruling supreme, AND that He is our Father. God is all-knowing and all powerful, and He makes “all things work together for good to them that love God. To them who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:29. No matter what difficulties we may be facing, God invites us to pray and make supplication, and make our request to Him! The fact that He invites us to make our request to Him, demonstrates His love for us. We must note that God did not promise that He would grant us everything we may ask for-He is not a heavenly Santa Clause. God knows more than we do what we need, but He still gives us an open invitation to make our request known to Him. God may grant our request, or He may say ‘no’, or He may say ‘not now.’ But whatever answer He gives, we can rest assured that it is the very best answer for us. When we make our request to God, with thanksgiving, knowing that He knows best and is working all things for our good, we experience the peace of God. The peace that comes with trusting God is a peace that surpasses all understanding-we can’t explain it. With this belief and mindset toward God, our mind and heart will be guarded against unrest and anxiety. Many do not experience or understand the truth of these verses; and the one who does experience the reality of being ‘anxious for nothing’ may be looked upon as being shallow-minded and not in touch with the real world. We do face serious, hurtful situations in life, and God understands this and He comforts us in the midst of the trials. Nonetheless, He has made provision for us that includes making our request known to Him with a sense of thanksgiving, and trusting Him to grant us whatever He knows is best. Life becomes much more simplified and much more complete when we come to a place where we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the God who created everything is our Father. Because God is our Father, what is there to fear? What is there to be anxious about? Our Father’s love for us is sure and steadfast and He does indeed cause all things to work for our good when we walk in His ways. Even should our life not be pleasing to Him, He continues to draw us to Himself and He waits with open arms to receive us back to fellowship with Him. Hear the words of Jesus: “Be anxious for nothing.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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