I know you’ve been worried about things in your past. Worried if the girl would say “yes”, worried if the job was yours, worried if you passed the test. We are all a little worried right now. We are concerned about staying safe from this virus and pandemic, we are anxious about our jobs and incomes, we are worried about finding toilet paper on the shelf at the store.
Worry reveals a couple of things for each of us. Worry reveals some priorities in our lives and where we place our faith. See, whatever you worry about most reveals what you value most. Equally, whatever you worry about most reveals where you trust God the least. Worry is the sin of distrusting the promises and power of God.
Paul addresses this very idea to those who follow the Rabbi from Nazareth. Paul is writing the Philippian Church about 62 AD. He’s writing from prison. Paul’s been arrested for following Jesus. He’s been placed under house arrest and is chained to a Roman guard. But even here, Paul sees the faithfulness of God.
He’s seen God’s faithfulness when he was stoned and left for dead, when he was shipwrecked on the open sea, when he was hungry, and the numerous times he was in prison for the cause of Christ. Oh, he knows the blessing he has in Jesus Christ.
As Paul winds down his letter to the Philippians, he says in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything but pray to God about everything…then, you’ll have the peace of God in your life.” Paul reminds us some 2000 years later to lean into Jesus and not worry about what the world is throwing at you right now.
Oh course, you and I are going to do everything we can to stay safe. We are going to shelter in place, order most things through the web to be delivered. We are going to love on our kids and our spouse. We are going to be a good neighbor. We are going to do everything we can and give the rest of it to God. How many of us can add one hour to our life by worry? None of us. So, we’ll do what we can do but leave the rest to God.
Paul goes on in that chapter to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And a greater truth was never spoken. In Jesus, we can conquer anything. Through his powerful Spirit, we can and will overcome what we are currently experiencing and whatever else is to come.
Paul says I rejoice in the Lord whether everything is going my way or I’m chained to a Roman guard. Jesus will meet all your needs. It’s so very true. God has given so many promises to take care of his people. We should relish each one. We are called to “trust in the Lord” (Psalms 11:1; Proverbs 3:5-6). We are called to “delight in the Lord” (Psalms 37:4). We are called to “take refuge in the Lord” (Psalms 118:8).
So today, what are you carrying? What are you concerned with? What are you worried about? Trust in the Lord and then you will have His peace! This crisis will pass. Continue to be the light with your family, your co-workers, your neighbors, and your church family. Practice the spiritual disciplines of reading God’s Word daily, being in prayer together, be a good neighbor and live in his peace.
May you be safe and sheltered. Blessings on your journey.