We would like to remind you of what we had to say about our theme for this year. As we move forward let us remain reliant on God in all things and for all things.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why do we get anxious? Usually because we feel alone, inadequate or out of control, so we fear being overwhelmed by the challenges that face us (or might face us).
These fears aren’t wholly bad. They alert us to danger. They highlight our need to depend on someone greater than ourselves, who will not be overwhelmed. That person is the God who sent his son Jesus to earth to reveal his compassion for us in our struggles. He also showed his love towards us when Jesus died for our sins, so we could be forgiven and have peace with God.
This God invites us to be reconciled with him through Jesus and bring all our anxieties to him in prayer. He calls us to thankfulness too, so we don’t become overly absorbed by worry and forget his continual kindness – blessings that we take for granted each day like life itself, forgiveness and food! Then, when we come in thankfulness and prayer, he promises us a peace of mind that can hold firm, even when we can’t see a single ray of hope. How? Because when we know he is for us and that he has power over everything we fear, we can trust that he won’t let us be overwhelmed. So we can steadily lay those anxieties to rest, as we keep entrusting them to him. Will you come to him?
