They happen, don’t they? And they don’t always give a warning. Actually, I would argue that we’re living in them right now. It seems that no one learns from history since we seem to be repeating it so often. What can you do since you’re only one person and aren’t in any place of influence?! You can be all that you can be and do all that you can do right where you are, right now. You can choose to do whatever is at your hand to do.
“Rejoice in the Lord always;” (Philippians 4:4) This is one thing you can always do. Remember Whose you are, never forget what He’s done for you. So, if you are going through hard times… then keep going. Why stop now?
“The Lord is at hand, do not be anxious about anything,” (verse 5-6) Anything. If you can tell me one specific, positive thing that comes from being anxious, then I’ll consider it. Not.
So Rejoice and don’t be Anxious. Those are specific attitudes we need to have in times of uncertainty.
“…but in everything (let me emphasize this word – everything) by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to
God.” (verse 6) One act – prayer, and two attitudes – supplication and thanksgiving. Especially, I would argue, we need to be thankful. No. Not for the situation but in the situation, knowing Who holds the answers. He always provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13).
The result?
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (7)
You do realize that it is God’s peace that gives us our confidence and is a rock of stability in times of uncertainty? We need the peace to provide our voice of truth and the strength to stand.
Our ‘commission’ from Paul –
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if
there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about
these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen
in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (8-9)
As we do think about these things our faith is increased and as our faith is increased our confidence is built strong and firm. We can be the source of steadfastness for others. Never bow to times of uncertainty but become all you can be. God will be with us in the process.
“…I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say,
The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
