Steven A. Bush - October 11, 2020
No Worries
Philippians 4:4-6 was penned by the Apostle Paul while in prison: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." (ESV) For a man incarcerated for his faith to make such an exhortation is truly quite extraordinary. Truthfully, there's nowhere in our Bibles that says anxiety will lead to peace. Nowhere does it say that if you steep yourself in worry, peace will soon follow. Rejoicing and prayer will accomplish that. Corrie ten Boom, who survived a German concentration camp during WW II, said this about worry: "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength." Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us, to care for our needs, hear our prayers, and cause all things to work together for our good. Trusting Him is the better remedy for anxiety and fear, worry and dread. Dwell on these things, set your mind upon them, and watch what happens to your worries...