The Lord is Near – Part 1

Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This last Sunday, Guest Pastor Chris Gilbert delivered the sermon message. He stated that statistics show that 50,000,000 Americans experience anxiety attacks annually and there is $300 billion per year spend on anxiety medicines. America has mass quantities and quality of food and water, basking in freedoms, liberty and safety above all nations, yet is the most-anxious country in the world. The local and national news focuses on negativity, fueling feelings of stress and guilt. “Be anxious for nothing”; You can’t. Moments of anxiety and stress are unavoidable in this fallen world, but the prison of anxiety and stress is avoidable.

The Lord Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Abide in Christ and remain in the Word of God; the Holy Bible. Give worship to God and pray to the Lord continually. Rejoice in the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sure, we can grieve a serious loss in our lives (it’s truly hurts), but do not grieve forever. Give it to God and be C.A.L.M. (“C” stands for Celebrate God’s goodness, “A” stands for Ask for help, “L” stands for Leave your concerns with the Lord, and “M” stands for Meditate on good things. Know that Almighty God is in command, has a plan and has everything under control.

1 Kings 19:3-12 “And when he (Elijah the prophet) saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough!”

Pastor Gilbert asked: “Ever have enough?” From Elijah’s example, He list four mistakes that Christians make, which create or add to anxiety in our lives. (1) We ran ourselves into the ground, wearing ourselves out. We are worn out, but the Lord is near us. Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. But, don’t overburden yourself with “wants and needs” that create a crazed frenzy rat race that keeps you running. And do not let fear drive you. Lighten the load by picking two or three, but not too many. Make devotional time a priority and focus on Jesus for peace. He said in Luke 21:33-34 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”  You don’t sprint a marathon; pace yourself on the path of life’s journey.

   

Let’s continue Pastor Gilbert’s message in the next post.

In Christ, Brian