Anxiety Has No Place In Me.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

In this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Sam shared a comment that I’d like us to reflect on today. He noted that in looking back at his own life experiences, and recalling the many ways in which God has helped him, it would be a shame if he were to approach any future life situations in a spirit of anxiety.

During Sunday’s sermon we were reminded of Daniel chapter 3, in which we have the testimony of three young men. Exiled from their homeland along with other Jews, they had lost all that was familiar to them—that is, everything except their faith. Though their circumstances had a high potential for producing anxiety, these three remained calm. Here is their response to the threat of being burned alive, a situation the world would perceive as one that would produce extreme anxiety:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

I wonder if any of us today are being threatened with a modern-day “furnace” situation. In the face of losing our jobs, our homes, or our lives because of our faith in God, what will we do? My prayer is that we will trust in God, and that we will be sustained by His presence, His power, and His peace. My prayer is that anxiety will never find a resting place in me, nor in you.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Forecast: Peace.

Yesterday was an unusually difficult weather day; streets and sidewalks became skating rinks. Here in New York City we had hundreds of car and pedestrian accidents, and at least five confirmed deaths directly related to the rain that froze on contact with the ground.

The Chorale, too, was having a rough day. Our choir arrived at church well before the rain began to fall, but within its ranks were individuals and families struggling with storms of illness and hospitalizations.

But through the challenges, God spoke to our congregation. One choir member shared a testimony on God's faithfulness in the face of trials, and another shared a prophetic word on the importance of praising God even while in the midst of physical pain. Though we did not realize it at the time, God used these words as a "preview" of the word that was to come.

God graciously allowed Pastor Sam to arrive at church safely, and his message was from Philippians 4:4-7-- a reminder for some, a new word for others-- and we were encouraged to appropriate the grace of God that brings us the peace of God.

Before we begin our reflections this week, let's spend today reading the Scripture passage. [Pastor Sam has encouraged us to memorize these verses, as they are useful for us to have planted in us for those moments when we are in the midst of trials.]

Lord God, thank You for Your gift of peace in the midst of storms!

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.