Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.
When I think of being nervous my mind goes to the character that Don Knotts played on the old Andy Griffith show. He was the ever nervous and always anxious deputy, Barney Fife.
It was humorous watching as Barney’s anxiety over insignificant situations caused even more problems. I always wanted to put a hand on his shoulder and help him calm down and assure him that everything would be okay (But he was just playing a part).
What about our own life? What are the things that cause us to tremble, shake, and lose sleep? Do you think the Lord is pleased with us when we allow our anxious thoughts to control our lives?
There are several thoughts I see in today’s Scripture that must be a part of our thinking in order to counteract anxiety: REJOICE (always), GENTLENESS THAT IS EVIDENT TO ALL, REMEMBER THAT THE LORD IS NEAR, GET RID OF ANXIOUS THOUGHTS, ALWAYS PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING. The Lord is in control–relax and enjoy Him!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil