Dave’s Monday Blast – March 30, 2020

Not since the attacks of September 11, 2001, has a crisis enveloped so much of the economy so quickly. If you’re like most Americans, you are worried not just about the global economy or the national outlook but about your personal finances and retirement accounts. But we are not the first Christ followers to have such fears.

Pastor Jim Denison asks this question: “How can we avoid the ‘prison of anxiety’?”

Paul founded the Philippian church in the face of great opposition. He and Silas were beaten and imprisoned before they were released and asked to leave the city (Acts 16:6 – 40). The congregation they left faced the threat of similar political and religious persecution. Many must have wondered about their financial security and their futures.

To them, the apostles offered these transformational words: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) “Do not be anxious” could be translated, “Be worried about absolutely nothing.” There are no exceptions here!

Denison comments: “We are to pray about “everything” with “supplication” (specific requests) and “thanksgiving” (expressions of gratitude). We are to tell God our needs, as explicitly as possible, while thanking him for hearing us and answering us in whatever way is best.”

When we do, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (v. 7) We could render this promise, “The peace of God, which understanding cannot produce or comprehend, will protect your emotions and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”

The next time you worry about your finances or anything else creeps into your feelings and thoughts, obey verse 6 and claim verse 7.

Max Lucado offers these comments on our text: “One would think Christians would be exempt from anxiety, but we are not. It’s enough to make us wonder if the Apostle Paul was out of touch with reality when he wrote in Philippians 4:6, ‘Be anxious for nothing.’

Lucado continues: “Is that what he meant? Not exactly. He wrote the phrase in the present tense implying an ongoing state…as if to say Don’t let anything in life leave you perpetually breathless and in angst. The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.” That’s good isn’t it!

Rather than the prison of anxiety, let’s choose the promise of abundant grace in Christ.

What fear do you need to entrust to your Father today?