Posted in In The Word

I can hardly stand watching the news anymore.  It grieves me to see all the horrible things going on in the world around me.  I know that these are ‘signs of the times’, yet it doesn’t make it any easier.

With so many of my own family and friends going through their own private turmoil, I feel so helpless and useless. I don’t know what to say to them to comfort them.   Our Sunday school lesson this week really hit home.  It reminded how we can have true joy and peace during these trying times in which we live. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice” Philippians 4: 4-5 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lords always.  That sounds simple enough.  But it isn’t.   How can we rejoice when were live in a world with hatred, killing, and death?  How can one rejoice when loved ones are braving illnesses and financial struggles?  How can we rejoice when we, ourselves, might be facing these issues, wondering where our next meal is coming from, wondering how we are going to pay the bills this month?  We can’t.  We can’t rejoice in the things of this world, but Paul commands us to rejoice in the LORD.  We need to rejoice in all the Lord has done for us.

I know what it is like to worry about paying your bills, and whether you’ll have money to buy food for your next meal.  It is hard not to worry about what is going to happen tomorrow, or next week, or next month, or even next year.   But, as Christians, we shouldn’t worry about these things.  I said that we shouldn’t worry, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t.  Because we do.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4: 6-7

The prescription for anxiety and worry is simple, talk to the Lord.  Make your requests know to Him and He will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.  We can’t understand that kind of peace.  But we’re not supposed to.  It is the peace that surpasses all understanding.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling anxious and worried about what is going to happen tomorrow, take a moment to Rejoice in the Lord and He will send you PEACE.  Don't say that you can't do that.  Because I know you can.

"I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me."  Philippians 4:13

"This joy that I have,

The world didn't give it to me.

The world didn't give it,

And the world can't take it away."