"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:4-7
-Philippians 4:4-7
stress is everywhere. we are surrounded, and all too often overtaken, by its evil snares. it seems that our dues of living in this this world are to eat, sleep, and breathe worry simply from the pace and demands of our every day routine. and as stress wraps itself around our spirit like a hungry boa constrictor, it tries to squeeze the life out of us and devour our witness. stress leaves us empty, depressed, and useless.
stress, in the life of a Christ-follower, is a warning light of a bigger internal struggle. worry and anxiety stem from a lack of trust in our God to provide for our needs. it demonstrates our self-sufficient worldview and attitude. sometimes i get tired of fighting this lie. sometimes i lose the battle. i still look to myself for provision even after i have proven again and again that the only thing i am able to supply for myself is trouble.
and it is here that God speaks to my heart through the words penned by Paul to the people of Phillipi - the answer is prayer. while stress accomplishes nothing except to destroy your walk with God, prayer accomplishes everything. prayer allows us to shift the focus from ourselves and onto God, who has much better plans for our lives anyways. prayer provides the peace our anxious souls seek, as it works to align our wills with the will of God.
as we find the peace that can only come from Christ in the midst of this stress-filled world, our proper response is rejoicing. while circumstances may seem confusing or overwhelming, we have no cause for fear. we have a savior who loves us enough to die in our place, taking our sin and punishment on himself so that we may be free. but he didn't stop there- he is intimately involved in every step of our life now. we have power and life on our side, guiding us as we submit our desires in deference to his. what better way to live life!?
stress, in the life of a Christ-follower, is a warning light of a bigger internal struggle. worry and anxiety stem from a lack of trust in our God to provide for our needs. it demonstrates our self-sufficient worldview and attitude. sometimes i get tired of fighting this lie. sometimes i lose the battle. i still look to myself for provision even after i have proven again and again that the only thing i am able to supply for myself is trouble.
and it is here that God speaks to my heart through the words penned by Paul to the people of Phillipi - the answer is prayer. while stress accomplishes nothing except to destroy your walk with God, prayer accomplishes everything. prayer allows us to shift the focus from ourselves and onto God, who has much better plans for our lives anyways. prayer provides the peace our anxious souls seek, as it works to align our wills with the will of God.
as we find the peace that can only come from Christ in the midst of this stress-filled world, our proper response is rejoicing. while circumstances may seem confusing or overwhelming, we have no cause for fear. we have a savior who loves us enough to die in our place, taking our sin and punishment on himself so that we may be free. but he didn't stop there- he is intimately involved in every step of our life now. we have power and life on our side, guiding us as we submit our desires in deference to his. what better way to live life!?
God, help me to not make sense in this crazy world. I desire your peace to reign in my life even when it seems impossible. Help me live a life that this world questions, so that I may share that YOU are the answer.
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