I heard this sermon a while back from an evangelical radio pastor:
v 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
I am not to worry, or have care, about things (presumably outside my control), but I pray, ask and thank, giving over my cares and worries to the Lord, who will do what He will. I am simply to thank and ask and trust Him with the rest. If I do this,
v 7 ...the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The peace that passes understanding can mean I can feel peace when it doesn't make sense to feel peace. It passes understanding because I can't explain it or justify it, and also because without Christ, I would be unable to feel it in a given circumstance. That peace will keep my heart and mind--or hold on to and take care of my heart and mind.
The peace of Christ cares for me, how I feel, my mental state.
This peace can replace that desire for things I don't yet have (a house, financial security, a life plan) As Paul continues:
v11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
v 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
It is a gift to accept my lack and weakness as I thank for my plenty and strengths. It is a talent to know "how to be be abased" at the same time as I know "how to abound." It is wasteful and ungrateful to obsess on my wants.
And the final comfort, that I don't have to worry over my weaknesses, and whether I can "earn" my salvation or "do" all I need to:
v 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Whatever he asks me to do, I can do. Whom He calls, he qualifies, and He gives no commandment save he prepares a way.
So, why worry? Christ is my senior companion.
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