Averting Anxiousness!

Each day has its own challenges. ( Matthew 6:34) However, the Lord exhorted away from anxiousness because our Heavenly Father is well aware of what is going on in our life and wants our trust to continue to rest on Him. ( Matthew 6:31-32) He is trustworthy.

Taking a look at the life of Paul it is easy to see how many challenges he faced in life as he continued in ministry for the Lord. (note 2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Still, it was he who declared, "...In all our affliction, I am OVERFLOWING WITH JOY." ( 2 Corinthians 7:4 ESV) Paul trusted the Lord to strengthen him through anything he faced ( Philippians 4:13) and encouraged others to do the same. A friend and brother in Christ recently shared the following equation to express Paul's statement to the church at Philippi: "The One" + me > all things. [Thanks Jim.] Acknowledging how our relationship with the Lord provides strength greater than all the things that challenge us is a focus that will aid in dispelling anxiousness.

In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi we read. . .
"(4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (6) DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)

Our focus needs to remain on the Lord. Therefore, let us continue praying while we maintain a perspective of "thanksgiving" for the relationship we have with Christ, His awareness of life's challenges (remember what He Himself experienced in this realm), the strength He brings to us, and the assurance He provides with regard to our eternal hope.

Have a great day KEEPING THE LORD IN LIFE'S EQUATION!
Carl

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