10/21/13

It is true.  The most often repeated command in Old and New Testament scripture is “Do not be afraid.”  And, in my opinion, it is also the most difficult command for most of us to obey.  It seems that our minds involuntarily, naturally and regularly drift toward fear; especially the fear of the unknown.  Who among us has not experienced anxious thoughts about the alarming accumulation of excessive national debt and how it will affect our financial future?  Who among us has not wondered whether we, or a loved one, might be in the wrong place at the wrong time…victimized by a lunatic gunman or a random terrorist act?  Who among us has not had flashes of fear about whether the oncoming truck might swerve across the center-line and hit us head-on?  Who among us does not have looming fear about what the recent results of a blood test or an MRI might reveal?

Personally, I have several grandchildren who will reach driving age in the next few years.  I have driven the winding, narrow roads that honeycomb the Louisville, KY area.  The telephone poles are too close to the roads and the shoulders are too narrow with deep ditches… See what I mean?  Your mind can take you to places you do not want to go and produce feelings of insecurity that we do not want to have.

One passage of scripture has served me well again and again.  Philippians 4:6-7, “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.”  There it is.  We push back on fear with prayer.  We push back on anxiety with piety.  When you have anxious thoughts, don’t succumb to panic.  Find a quiet place and count your blessings while also off loading your worry.

Pray with me…. Father, there is not one of us that does not need to internalize the words of these two reassuring verses from Your Word.  Now, today and every day, help us to have the presence of mind to remember them and obey them.  When we are doers of the word and not hearers only, we are the primary beneficiaries.  In Jesus’ name we thank you for giving us Your peace in an uncertain world, amen.

Blessings,
Pastor Ken