Why did it
happen?
Why me?
Why us?
Why now?
Why?
Why me?
Why us?
Why now?
Why?
At
the end of the day, the only adequate response in the “whys” of life is
to trust God, regardless of how powerful the “why” seems.
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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians
4:6-8
Unpack the verse:
Do not be anxious about anything. The Apostle Paul is clear that there is absolutely anything we should be anxious about, which includes the “whys” of life. Underline the word, “anything,” in your mind.
But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The word, “but,” indicates there is something more to do in anxious times. We are told we need to pray with thanksgiving, which pulls us away from anxiety. Think on the words, “in every situation.” What is left to worry about?
Unpack the verse:
Do not be anxious about anything. The Apostle Paul is clear that there is absolutely anything we should be anxious about, which includes the “whys” of life. Underline the word, “anything,” in your mind.
But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The word, “but,” indicates there is something more to do in anxious times. We are told we need to pray with thanksgiving, which pulls us away from anxiety. Think on the words, “in every situation.” What is left to worry about?
That said, it is
difficult to turn away from worry. So.
Begin by giving thanks. Of course it can
be difficult to figure out what to give thanks for. Begin with simple things:
God, thank you for
giving me breath today . . . for the air I breathe . . .
Gratefulness moves us
towards peace.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Peace is received as we move away from worry, giving thanks, intentionally uniting with the life of Christ.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Peace is received as we move away from worry, giving thanks, intentionally uniting with the life of Christ.
Actively engaging
with the presence of Christ is not only a life-time decision but a daily
decision which results in unexplainable peace . . . a well-being of the mind,
body, heart, and soul.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The battle of the “whys”
occurs in the mind. So . . . the focus must be on the presence and power
of Christ . . . rather than on the unanswerable “whys.” Moving from the
“whys” is crucial in letting go of worry
. . . trusting God for things we don’t understand . . . trusting God to be good
and great . . . trusting God to be a God of more . . . trusting regardless of what
we see in the moment.
I am the first to say
. . . that is impossible . . . when life is difficult . . . but . . . through
the presence and power of Christ . . . all things are possible. We are promised: I can do all this through
him who gives me strength (Philippians
4:13).
We can live without
worry. We are promised.
Intentionally become
still and know the presence of God.
Surrender the “whys”
of living.
Experience the
incomprehensible-unfathomable-immeasurable peace of Christ.
Pray and give thanks.
Stop.
Look.
Listen.
Learning with you to
KICK START the day . . . without worry.
Pastor Kerrie
interactstudies/ ~ kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/