Thursday, September 24, 2015
I was sharing with our Spanish bible class last night in church the importance of not only knowing God’s Word but what may be even more the important, to obey it. Many people who are in positions of authority will often give their subordinates certain orders just for the sheer satisfaction of showing them who’s the boss. Not God! May I remind you that anything that He has ever required of us is geared for our benefit? When we obey His Word or put it into practice, our lives as well as the lives of those around us are enriched. On the other hand, those who don’t, hurt themselves greatly. Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount that those who hear His words and put them into practice are wise, while those who do not, are foolish. (See Mt. 7:24-27) James later said practically the same thing when he wrote: “Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24) What is the principal purpose of a mirror? Is it not there so that, when we see ourselves in it, we can make an effort to correct what is amiss? It is the same with the Word of God. When we see ourselves in it, we can easily see what things need to be addressed or corrected. Then when we ask the Lord to help us with them, He does.
This past Tuesday in our prayer meeting in church, I came up to the altar with my usual load of burdens, cares, and worries. As I was there in His presence, it was as if He was saying, “Remember what Paul wrote about worrying?” I was reminded of his words to the Philippians: “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.” (Ph. 4:6-7) Can you see the simple formula for eliminating worry from our hearts? First, we present our burdens to Him with thanksgiving. To me, it means that we thank Him for the privilege and opportunity He gives us to draw near to Him. We thank Him also that our burdens are no longer with us but now in His care. Lastly, We thank Him for the answer that’s on the way. Once we realize the process, a peace which the world does not know and one we ourselves often find hard to understand, comes over us and that peace, in turn, helps us focus on Christ and keeps us safe from worry.
Why don’t you try that process for yourself today should worries trouble your heart and mind? And if you should be worry free today, keep this formula handy, for even when we know that we should not permit them to bother us, they have a nasty habit of reappearing. Many of God’s children everywhere woke up today with worries in their hearts and minds. Are you in that group? Well, the Lord just reminded you about the secret formula for eliminating worry. I pray you will put it into practice today.
Memory verse for the week: (Matthew 9:36) “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
