Posts Tagged ‘anxiety’

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Meaning…what are we looking for?

October 23, 2007

Driving the interstate and parkways requires us to pay attention to road signs or we get lost or spend time backtracking to get to our destination.

Driving throughout our Christian life requires us to pay attention to God’s road signs or we get lost or spend time backtracking to get to our destination.

God provides the road signs for our life in his Word.

He gives us clear direction in times of stress, anxiety and worry.

Philippians 4:4-8

 ”4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

God wants to direct our paths by helping us with our thinking….

 ”We are all searching for truth”

“We are all looking for God”

“We crave meaning”

“We long to trust”

“We need to believe in Something”

“We need to believe in Someone”

“We need to believe in God”

“Is it possible that God is like a father waiting for us to read the signs?”  McManus

Read Philippians 4…..this passage is full of road signs, it has meaning,  and isn’t that what we are looking for?

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Stand Fast In It….

October 2, 2007

1 Peter 4:12-13 says…..”Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Later in Chapter 5, Peter urges us to “Cast all your anxiety  on Him, because he cares for you.”

Chapters 4 and 5 can be summarized very simply….

When the trials of life sneak up on us, do not be surprised, REJOICE!   When Christ’s glory is revealed, He promises that we will be OVERJOYED.

Be humble and cast your anxieties on Him.  Be self-controlled and “stand fast in” God’s true grace.

The absence of surprises and anxiety can only happen when we depend on Jesus to provide his incredible grace.

Imagine, no surprises and no anxiety……sounds like PEACE to me…peace of mind, peace in our hearts and peace in our soul.

Thank you Father for revealing your truth and your glory this morning!!