I was listening to an interview this morning as a news commentator was speaking with a doctor regarding the health of the people of our nation. His greatest concern was not the "virus" but the depression, fear and suicide that is running rampant. The statement he made that really struck me was something to this effect, "fear and anxiety reside in a portion of our psyche that is without God." Wow! Hmmm. That got me to thinking that we can have God in our lives, however, we may not be allowing his Lordship in every area. Philippians 4:6 says, "do not be anxious about anything..." Sometimes that is easier said than done. This is not the first time I have written on this subject, but today I have some added thoughts. That is because his Word is active and alive and new every day!
To continue in the Philippians 4 chapter, we are instructed to pray with thanksgiving, as we are "not worrying" and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Jesus.
Easier said than done you agree? Well, after I listened to this doctor, it caused me to realize that we need to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus with our entire being. We may confess with our mouth that we believe he is Lord, but not allow him to infiltrate our minds with his Truth.
When we truly trust Him with every fiber of our being, giving our every thought, desire, need and concern to him, thanking him and praising him for who he is, his character, his being, his sovereignty, faith will grow within us. His Word will make it's home in us. "And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.", verse 7 of Chapter 4, Philippians.
This is a process. We ladies at our church have a bible study, as some of you men do as well at your churches. We have a time that is called an "ice breaker". I used to lack appreciation for these pre-ambles because they weren't "spiritual" enough. (Sometimes you can be too spiritual for your own earthly good so to speak.) As I grew into the realization that we are all human and need those times of communication regarding our everyday lives, I also grew to appreciate them. During those times we might talk about the things that are important to us, things we enjoy, family stories, dreams, desires, etc. We are getting to know one another and getting to trust one another more and more because we see that we can relate on many points. We begin to understand one another more and begin to love one another as the Bible tells us.
Trusting Jesus and inviting His presence into every facet of our lives, hearts, minds comes from getting to know him through his Word and his Holy Spirit... believing what he says. I am one that takes things at face value with other Believers. If they tell me something, perhaps expressing their affection or appreciation, I believe them. If they give me a gift, I believe it is from their heart and genuine. So, why not believe the one who embodies truth, power, might, strength, justice, righteousness, love, empathy, sympathy and more than that, the ONE who can meet your every need! The very ONE who created, yes, created, out of nothing, all you see. All of Creation are His! You are His! Bought with a Price... the Blood of Christ! (He proved His Love on the Cross at Calvary once and for all.)
He wants you to walk out of fear and anxiety. The guarding of your heart is as a military garrison around it, verse 7. By applying the many principles of his Word to your life through personal relationship with him, spending time with him through prayer, praise and worship, you are allowing that spiritual army of peace so to speak, to stand at it's post.
Get to know him better and better this year. Let your two-way communication be the ice breaker you need to realize that he loves you more than his own life and cries out to be all that you need in these days so full of turmoil. Though the days be full of turmoil, our inner being needn't be.
Love the Lord your God. Love one another deeply. Pray for one another. Encourage one another. Know that God loves you and is not idle. Know that He has a Plan and will fulfill it. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven! Blessings to you all! Be strong in the Power of His Might, Grace and Peace!
