Dave’s Monday Blast – September 23, 2019
According to data released by Amazon, the most highlighted passage in Kindle ebooks is found in the Bible (Philippians 4:6 – 7): “Do not be anxious about anything…”. By the way…that passage is possibly the most sought after verse in all of Scripture. Why? Simply because anxiety and fear are relentless foes. These are two of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Unchecked fear can keep you in bed for hours past what is healthy or wise. Anxiety can also show up as a fiery anger or in unkind speech and hurtful attitudes. The longer you struggle with fear, the more likely it is for you to be overwhelmed by it, allowing it to control your every decision. Choosing not to deal with it can leave you with many scars.
We have a promise in found 1 Corinthians 10:13, “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability…”, and this includes the sinful belief of an anxious heart. If you struggle with this issue, (there are a couple hundred Scriptures on this general topic… so we know countless folks do) one of the best ways to rid yourself of the fear/anxiety is to turn to Scripture. It is in His Word that we are reminded that it is God who is in control.
If you believe this simple truth, be very careful, then, how you choose to live (Ephesians 5:15 – 20). Don’t allow yourself to be deluded (James 1:22).
Pastor James Denison shares the following downside to our attempts at control:
1. We embrace the illusion that we can control what cannot be controlled: We live in one of the safest nations in the world, but murderers still go on shooting sprees. Meteorology is more advanced than ever, but our best scientists still cannot fully predict the path of hurricanes. Medical science is more accomplished than ever, but the death rate is still 100 percent. This is why the Holy Spirit gave us Ephesians 5:15 – 16.
2. Our priority must be living for heaven on earth: Jesus told us about a rich man in Luke 12:19 – 21 who said to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry…” however, “God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you…'” When this day is done you and I will be one day closer to eternity than ever before. That’s why we should begin every day by submitting it to the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), then seek God’s glory over our own and live for heaven on earth.
INTENTIONAL men must decide each and every day to surrender control of their lives to the only One who is fully in control! Next week let us examine eight powerful Scriptures that speak to the One who is in control of all things!
