trusting God
Last week, I learned of something that brought up a lot of emotions in me, including some second-guessing. I did my share of asking God questions, wondering about timing and why this and why that, but by Friday evening I arrived back at a place of trust (like the boy in the photo, balanced on his father's feet, trusting that He won't let me fall). Nothing in my life has caught God by surprise. He knows the beginning and the end and everything in-between. I can trust Him to see me through because I'm His child. And as I returned to trust, I began to catch glimpses of how He was using even this latest situation for good (Romans 8:28).
So Saturday morning, my New Testament reading brought me to Philippians 3-4. What a rich reading! And what good reminders for me.
that I may know Him... (Phil 3:10a)
Knowing, really knowing, Christ should be the most important quest of my life. Knowing about Him isn't good enough. I need to know Him. Personally, intimately know Him.
...forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13b-14)
I mustn't spend my days looking back and wondering "What if?" or saying, "If only..." I must press on. God will reveal to me the things I need to know in the proper time. His grace is sufficient.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Be anxious for nothing. Nothing. That's a big order. Be anxious for nothing. Prayer and supplication are my first line of defense against anxiety. And when I pray with thanksgiving in my heart, I'll have peace in my heart and mind.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. (Phil. 4:8)
I love that verse. There is so much in our society that is false, dishonorable, wrong, impure, ugly, of bad repute, not excellent or worthy of praise. (Just turn on the TV or visit your local mall, and you'll know what I mean.) When I dwell on those things, I am not a happy or better person. So call me a Pollyanna, but I'm choosing to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise. My goal is to take every thought captive, especially those negative or fearful thoughts, then turn my mind toward those things listed in Philippians 4:8.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
Whatever life throws my way, I can handle because of Him who strengthens me. I can't do it in my own power, but I can do it through His. And God is supplying all of my needs. Not some. All.
May your Sunday be blessed and may you know Him in a greater way today.
-rlh-
