Tuesday, November 5, 2013
By: Brandon Bilbo
Day 2 of "Achieving God's Perfect Peace" Series
Two Words That Will Set You Free
Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Today we are continuing our series on Peace. Paul gives us clear instructions on how to have peace.
Philippians 4:6 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God's peace..."
The first step is the easiest thing to say to others, yet the hardest thing to do: "Don't worry."
These are two words that are often said to console someone going through a problem. However, we don't want to hear those same words when WE are going through trials.
I often compare this theory to the difference between major surgery or minor surgery. Major surgery is done on me; minor surgery is on you. You could be having the most obscure surgery, and all of your friends tell you that you'll be fine, "DON'T WORRY." But if one of those same friends goes under the knife for an ingrown toe nail, it's a TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY!
Just saying "DON'T WORRY" seems like such a cliché thing to say. Nonetheless, it is the right thing to say! I recently read a report from psychologytoday.com which revealed that the use of negative words actually stops synapses and mental processes prohibiting a person from functioning at his or her best. How much more does constant worry and fear inhibit you from your fullest potential in your career, your health, your relationships with those around you, or most importantly your relationship with God?
Here are three quick steps to eliminate worry:
- Quit the stinking thinking. Today's verse instructs us to focus on positive, God thoughts.
- Focus on God's promises for your life. Don't focus on the negative around you. Your situation may be bad, but God is bigger than any problem or circumstance.
- Learn to trust Him more. Many people have sadly been let down or betrayed by those who should have been there for them causing them to have difficulty trusting others...even God. However, God will never fail you, has not forgotten you, and loves you so much!
My challenge for you today may be one of the hardest things you will ever do. I challenge you not to worry. This is your FIRST step to freely receive His indescribable peace.
Dear Lord, please help me learn to always trust You. Help me focus on how big You are rather than dwelling on my problems.
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
