Two weeks in a row and at two different churches in different counties, I've been hit square between the eyes with "being anxious for nothing" goodness.
here's the link to last week's thoughts: Don't Worry, Be Faithful
This week was Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
While I'd love to just type out the sermon word-for-word, I won't.
I'll summarize:
The Lord is near (As in, CLOSE BY TO YOU!), and when you keep your eyes and your mind focused on Him, then (and only then) will your heart be guarded and protected by His peace.
There's no other way to obtain that supernatural, spiritual peace you're longing for.
The kind of peace that kept Daniel from having a heart-attack in the lions den.
The kind of peace that gave Paul and Silas a song in the night.
The kind of peace that Jesus demonstrated as he graciously took our pain and suffering on the cross.
The kind of peace that comes from knowing that God is sovereign over all and he truly cares about me, my hurts, my future, my family, my hopes, my very life.
Anyways. I started off with a sentence that probably up to this point seems completely unrelated, and since I have the power of editing, I should probably have just cut that and found a new opener. But as you can see, I haven't. My writing style was born to be confusing (and unfortunately for you, I do a pretty good job keeping it that way).
Well, I want to pull that thought in NOW. (yes, go ahead back up to the top to read it again, if you already haven't)
I've loved that song since I first heard it, probably 5 years ago, but today one phrase in particular jumped out at me that never has before:
"I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on"
It was like a "DON'T GIVE UP!" shout from my soul.
Right now, I'm going through a lot of waiting and wondering about what I should be doing and where I should be going with my life (among other things), and I feel like God's been awful silent for an awful long time. But I cannot give up, because there is a light coming for the heart that holds on. And there is a PEACE that will be given me while I'm waiting and even when the waiting is over, if I keep my eyes focused on my Jesus.
That reminder gave me the "umph" to make it another hour, day, week, month, year..... because I know My God is Near To Me.
looking unto Jesus,
Betkany
You Never Let Go (Complete with subtitles... i'm guessing portuguese?!)
Philippians 4:13 is often a "favorite verse" of many Christians. It's definitely one of mine too, but not because it gives me strength to do things that I (my flesh) want to do. Rather, it reminds me that my contentment comes from Christ and not from things of this world (good or bad). Before we ask God of anything, we must be content (and rejoicing) in what God has already given us. I really appreciate this post.
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