The Presence Promise: He is Near – Part 3

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 4:4-7

Key Verse:  Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

The next step that the Apostle Paul suggests is an exercise of our wills: “Do not be anxious” about anything.  The Amplified Bible translates this as, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything.”  This is not easy to do.  We have this human tendency to allow worries and fears to fill our thoughts.  Can this command to stop being anxious truly be accomplished?

First, let’s understand the Greek word translated as “anxious.”  The Greek word the apostle uses means “to be troubled with cares.”  Of course, we must be concerned about issues that need our attention.  We must be responsible adults, making plans to handle the challenges of this life, but our attitude as we go about our business need not be full of anxious thoughts or fretful fears.  We go about the business of our lives with a deep confidence in God’s help that is at work in us!

Secondly, we are to make our prayers full of thanksgiving.  In other words, when we ask God for help, we do it with positive words of faith and rejoicing.  Do not whine to God.  Ask with boldness and joy.  Thank God for His perfect answers in the same breath as your request!

Finally, Paul reminds us that when we refuse thoughts of anxiety and pray with thanksgiving, we should expect peace—God’s transcending peace.  His peace will transcend our minds, giving us the power to consider our troubles with a calm, faith-filled attitude.

Father, I will live out your word for me today.  I will faithfully work on my challenges, trusting you to strengthen and guide me.  In Jesus’ Name I will live in peace!  Amen.