When you read the Bible, do you read it, or do you really read it? What I mean is, do you read it like a novel or story, or do you read it word by word and line by line? There are times when it is good to just sit down in a nice cosy chair, and with a nice warm or cold drink and read page after page of God’s dealings with His people, or how He wants to direct and instruct us through the examples of stories and letters written so many years ago, yet so relevant today. I like to do that quite often, but sometimes I have found it very hard to get past one word or a particular verse. Do you know what I mean? It’s at times like this that God often speaks to us through His Word, to instruct and direct our paths, to give us insight into areas of our lives that require guidance. Have you noticed that it is dependant on our reactions and response how God can use those instances to impart truth and direction into our lives. I got struck on a couple of verses as I was sitting down preparing for a Sunday service, maybe we can go through them together to see if they can help you as they have helped me.
We’ve all heard and read these verses before I am sure; Philippians 4:6-7 “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.”
When you think about it, these are pretty powerful words; awesome would probably be a more accurate description. There are times in each of our lives when it is not easy to not be anxious about something, after all we are only human! However, it never ceases to amaze me that when God says something He means it! So, if God’s Word says “be anxious for nothing” and nothing means, not anything, the absence of anything perceptible, zero, nought, nil; let’s pull out all the stops, so to speak, and stand on the Rock for as long as is necessary and see the results that God sees. An overcoming, more than conquering, faith talking, faith walking, Bible believing Christian. Let’s start looking at circumstances like God does. If we do, we can begin to understand why God says “be anxious for nothing.”
Scripture Thoughts to reflect on:
Jer 17:8 Matt 6:25
The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought world. Francis Schaeffer.
Have a great week – Stan Sykes
