Monday, December 17, 2012

Are you anxious?

     Do you get anxious and worry about things?  Or are you one of those people who lives according to the instructions in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"?
    There are several things in our lives right now that in the natural would appear to be cause for anxiety, but I don't want to live by how I see things.  I want to see them as God sees them.  Since He gives us these instructions, He obviously sees a much bigger picture than I do!  So I must remind myself constantly to replace those anxious thoughts with His thoughts.
      He even goes on to give instructions on the kinds of thoughts to replace them with in verse 8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."
     How important it is to know God's word!  He, through His Word, is a very present help in time of trouble.  Why are we so slow to consult the Owner's Manual when He has provided the handbook for abundant living! 
     How much better I feel after reading His promises!  How much more hopeful for things that are happening in this world when I know He has a greater plan & purpose than I can see!  How much more able am I to love others when I read about how much He first loved me?
      I am feeling a renewed sense of how important it is to know what He says about every situation in my life, my family, my community, the world.  

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