First Words 11-14-22

The New King James Version says: “…be anxious for nothing…”Anxious means to have mental distress or uneasiness because of fear, danger, or misfortune; to be earnestly and impatiently desirous or eager about something.

Is there something you are anxious about? It is possible to move through our day, working at our job and fulfilling our responsibilities yet with an ever-present anxiousness overshadowing all that we do. Anxious over an ongoing financial situation. Anxious about a strained relationship. Anxious over friction in your marriage and family. An anxiousness regarding a medical test, surgery or diagnosis.

Luke 10:38-42 describes Jesus’ visit with Mary and Martha. Aren’t you glad that our relationship with the Lord is not limited to “visits”? People who walk with God, do not just visit God on Sundays. His Word promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. Martha prepared the meal while Mary sat at His feet. In fact, the scripture says: “Martha was distracted by much serving”. It is ironic, but none the less true: Our service to Him can distract us from Him.

Much preparation…. little prayer; practicing without spending time in His Presence. Work, but little worship. Busy, but barren. Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her in the kitchen. Notice what Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried (anxious) and troubled about many things”. Knowing all things, Jesus saw that it wasn’t just that situation that troubled Martha…. But, there were “many things” troubling her. Jesus always knows the unknown and sees the unseen and is touched by the feeling of our anxiousness, our fears, and concerns.

There is nothing vague or mysterious about Paul’s exhortation: “Be careful (anxious) for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God”. As strange as it may seem… we are often anxious about what we are praying about! Paul’s admonition is easy to preach but, hard to practice - yet, it’s necessary. Verse 7 in the NLT reads like this: “If you do this, (if you be anxious about nothing but pray about everything—bring everything to God) you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.” His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you lean into God, pray and commit every concern to Him. Panic turns to peace…. His peace. We move from worry to rest…. from trouble to trust. One doesn’t have to look far to see things that would cause us to be anxious: a failing economy, a Godless government, a confused culture... a compromising church. How good to know that Peace from the Prince of Peace can guard our mind and spirit as we live this life in Christ! The words of an old chorus comes to mind:

“Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace

Coming Down From The Father Above

Sweep Over My Spirit Forever I Pray

In Fathomless Billows of Love!”