“do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything…
That’s hard to do isn’t it? Some would even say it’s impossible. And you know what, it can be a real challenge, but it’s not impossible. It takes practice, training, and focus.
Did I lose you with the words practice and training? Probably the majority of us modern day westerners want peace to simply poof into existence. And a good many of us are turned off by the idea of working for a benefit.
I mean… doesn’t Grace mean that I get all the benefits without having to work or pay for it?
GRACE
God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
Yes, Christ paid the penalty of our sin with His shed blood on the cross. But, you still have to turn to Him and receive His gift. Jesus doesn’t randomly zap people with salvation and fill them with His Holy Spirit. His grace is not bestowed on certain people at birth. He’s not a vending machine. He’s not a magician nor is Christ a doting grandfather spoiling His babies.
To accomplish this directive, do not be anxious about anything, requires us to look at the solution and not the challenge. And maybe that sounds impossible too because when you’re facing a challenge you don’t know the solution or possibly don’t have the resources.
“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:6-8 ESV
Most likely in a challenge what we are most anxious about is the outcome. So, the conundrum… how to fix our eyes on a solution rather than a problem. Look to the Creator of all things. Tell Him you don’t know what to do. Squeak out, “help…”
God, Creator, is over all things, and is able to not only help you, but fill you with a peace that you can’t explain. Shalom… wholeness… God is Immanuel. Immanuel means God with us… and He is with you. His withness will bring you the greatest peace, but you have to look at Him, read His words, talk with Him, listen to His voice. And do what He says. He might be asking you to just be still and let Him hold you.
These words of God are true. They are real. These words are not impossible. The question is not the validity of God’s Words. To what are you looking? Where is your focus? These are the questions.
If you’re looking at the world of trouble you won’t find peace. But if you look into the eyes of Jesus, you will find peace, shalom, and wholeness. Try it. Practice looking to Jesus and asking for help…
The grace of God is sufficient for you. Will you look up? Will you reach out and receive it? Will you utter a surrender to His will?
Will you open your mind, heart and hands to receive His grace, peace… shalom?
It’s not impossible to have the peace of God flood over you in the darkest pit. It’s a choice that only you can make.
My prayers for you are to experience the withness of Christ right now. I ask Holy Spirit that the one reading these words will encounter Your very real presence now. Speak Lord for Your servant is listening. I pray we each turn our focus from the things of the world and look up to see God that You are already here. Our ever present help. We raise the white flag of surrender in the name of Jesus… and utter a broken, “help…”
Shalom, shalom, my friend.
Receive it. And then dwell in this posture.
Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa
#withness #eyesonjesusandshine #peace #livelovebrightly #shalom
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