TruthPoints

11.07.07

Let me remind you today of a wonderful and powerful passage of Scripture that is a constant source of relief and reassurance to me.  It is Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “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.”

The difficulties and uncertainties of life have always afforded men and women copious opportunities for worry, but never have the temptations to worry been as great as in the days in which we are living.  Everywhere we look, there is confusion, suffering, and pain.  However, Paul’s words above teach us that we should not be overcome or overwhelmed with the stressful maladies of fear and worry yet many of us are!

With some of us, our fears and anxieties arise from experiences that have to do with the past, maybe years ago.  Others are anxious, fretful, and worried about the future, about old age, health, or finances.  Still others are over-burdened with care about the present.

Many of our fears are imaginary, and many of the things we worry about never happen!  For the Christian, fear, anxiety, and worry are useless, unnecessary, and even sinful.

What then is the cure for anxiety and fear?  Many psychological remedies are offered, and some of these are helpful, but none of them goes to the root of the problem.  God's prescription contains three ingredients, and these are mentioned in Philippians 4:6.

1.       Be worried for nothing. (4:6a) “Be anxious for nothing”

2.       Be prayerful for everything. (4:6b) “But in everything by prayer”

3.       Be thankful for anything. (4:6c) “With thanksgiving”

Note then the result of following the advice of Paul, the seasoned prayer warrior.  Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  God's peace will stand guard like a sentinel to keep fear, worry, and anxiety from our heart (emotions) and mind (intellect)  the two places where they seek to enter.

A companion passage from the Old Testament is (Isaiah 26:3). “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

It is my prayer that all of us at SouthPoint Church will keep our minds centered and focused on Christ and can be men and women of prayer, men and women of praise, and, therefore, men and women of peace.

Pastor David