A NEW WAVE OF ANXIETY
With the recent senseless and tragic terrorist attack in India, a new wave of anxiety arises in Americans relative to potential attacks on our shores once again. Terrorism is an ever-present danger and kept at bay only by good law enforcement and the protective hand of God.
So if you have become victim of worry, let me offer some words to comfort your heart. Philippians 4 is Paul’s charter on how to avoid anxiety. The teaching is clear, compelling, and direct. Paul says not to worry, but he doesn’t leave you there. He helps you fill the vacuum by directing you toward positive steps: right praying, right thinking, and right action.
Right Praying. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (vv. 6-7).
Right Thinking. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (v. 8).
Right Living. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you (v. 9).
Reflect on God’s truth expressed in those verses, meditate on the Bible—especially the Psalms—and you will find your heart settled by a kind of peace that abides no matter what circumstances or uncertainties come your way.
2 comments:
Pastor Tom,
Very interesting blog...here's my problem about the attacks in India; I really don't feel that bad about them. Sure, I empathize with their situation (as I would in any situation where innocent lives are taken) but, I believe God is in control and has His hand over the world, including in India and Pakistan. Perhaps, and the safe bet, is that I feel this way because the lives lost were (mostly) those of Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faith. I would feel much, much worse if Christian lives were taken. I know, this is not a very Christ-like notion to throw out for the world (and my Pastor to see) but it is how I feel and it really bothers me. Once again I feel that I am failing as a "good" Christian. I feel that if I bring these thoughts up to my church community, I will be seen as a fraud and ex-communicated (if the church still does that sort of thing). I know that the original disciples did not call themselves Christians, rather they were called Christians. I would do a quick "Google" search to see what chapter and verse of the Bible this came from but I am tired and lazy...again, not very positive characteristics of a Christian. How can I be all of the above rotten things and still be a Christian?!
God is Love,
A
Pretty aimple. You're a work in progress. The perfect christian life will not be realized on this side of heaven. Until then, we take steps forward and backward. Not an excuse, but an honest response.
Remember, you're a believer because someone was concerned about your lostness. They didn't begin caring about you when you trusted Christ, rather, their loving concern directed you to Christ.
You WILL get there because you want to--so be patient, God isn't through with you yet.
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