Anxious for Nothing

  

Philippians 4:6  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This week, Michael writes, how much worry should fill your mind?  How much worry should agitate your soul? The peace of God requires zero tolerance of worry. Through prayer, you close the door to every enemy of peace. The book of Philippians holds the keys to maintaining joy and peace. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul said I will rejoice in everything. Despite the troubles and tribulations of this fallen world, misery, fear, anxiety and doubt are optional. Courage is a decision. The choice is ours.  Therefore in everything give thanks.

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

The world and its earthly and lawless systems are run and ruled by fear. The problem with a “living sacrifice” is that it "crawls off the altar", if not genuine. You've got to kill the old man of the flesh in order to present your body a “living sacrifice”, holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable act of worship.  

In the book called "New Morning Mercies” by Paul David Tripp, the author asks:  “Have you come to the place where you filter everything in life for the purpose of the gospel of the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ? When amazing realities of the gospel quit commanding our awe and wonder, then the troubles of the world will invade our hearts. When we quit celebrating grace, we quit seeking the refuge that only grace and mercy can give." It's easy to give our minds over to the things that create doubt, worry, and fear. God is waiting patiently for us to turn our hearts back to Him. Mercy is the nature of God and forgiveness flows from mercy. We must turn our hearts back to God in repentance of our sins to “seek first the kingdom of God”. When we turn our eyes back to God, we can press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

In the trying times of life, the question is "How much control do you have over this situation? At the deep end of the pool, God will ask, "No matter the outcome of this situation, will you purpose in your heart to honor and praise me?"  A true relationship with God depends on two things. The first is our confidence that God is Sovereign and in control. The second is that He does all things and works all things for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. The "upside down" kingdom of God is full of paradoxes. I must decrease so that He may increase. When I'm weak, then I'm strong. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. The greatest leader is the greatest follower. Thy strength is made perfect in my weakness, thy grace is sufficient for me.  

The charge therefore is, remember Jesus who stood in our place. The call is to remember the destinies of all who have been saved by the blood of Jesus. We choose to set our affection on things above, not on things of the earth. We fill our hearts with awe and thankfulness when we look unto Him. In the midst of the challenges of life, we have the peace of God. Therefore, be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God that passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

May God richly bless you!

Your brother in Christ, Michael