“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.” Philippians 4:6-7
It’s
difficult to keep from being anxious when obstacles rise up all around us. We take our focus off the obstacle remover
and place it squarely on that which is making us anxious. It’s real and it’s staring us right in the
face. It could be unemployment, a lack
of finances, illness, chronic pain or a crumbling marriage. At that point in time it seems like that’s
the only thing we can see. God is still
there in the midst of it, but He becomes harder to see, blocked by temporal
circumstances, like a lunar eclipse blocks out the sun. We can refocus on God, the remover of
obstacles, or we can stay fixated on our problem(s). Paul tells us not to allow ourselves to be anxious. No matter what we are facing, lift it up to
God with thanksgiving. Lay your requests
at the feet of the difference maker.
Once you refocus on Him your anxiety will begin to melt away and a peace
that the world knows nothing of will guard your heart and mind.
What
about the times God chooses to have us go through a certain situation rather
than remove it. That happens more times
than not, I’m afraid, but He has reasons for this. It’s to challenge our faith and cause
spiritual growth. Will we shrivel and
die or rise up and stand tall. All the
while the Lord is there with us and in
us to guide, provide and sustain us.
Even in the midst of the most ferocious storms life has to offer He is
there with us to take us through it.
Being all places at the same time He is with us and waiting for us on
the other side of our problem.
Therefore, we truly have no reason to be anxious about anything. When you do become unsettled, focus on the
difference maker and not that which stands in your way. One word from Him and your whole scenery can
change. Until next time, walk with the
King and be a blessing!
