I wrote to some of you recently asking what you felt were the real issues we face today… especially as seniors. And your answers confirmed what Virginia and I have been feeling too!
Right now, it seems that gasoline prices, the cost of food, the war in Iraq, house prices, and the struggling economy are on the top of most people’s minds. There’s so much chaos going on around us! And it’s in times like these when many can start to lose hope. Can you relate?
I want to remind you that in the midst of all the bleak news we hear and see every day, the Bible provides us with good news… that Jesus is our ultimate hope! And today, more than ever, you and I need to be reminded of the peace we can find from God.
In Philippians 4:6-7, the apostle Paul commands us…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.
God promises us… when we present our requests to Him with thanksgiving… He will guard our hearts and minds with peace! And 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us by saying, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” As followers of Christ, you and I are free to give God all of our cares and concerns!
This is the challenge to you and me, that if indeed we truly trust God and take Him at His word, then He says we can leave our worries with Him.
And in place of those worries, God wants to fill our hearts with good things and He wants us to fill our minds with everything that is holy. As Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Then verse 9 ends with “And the God of peace will be with you.”
If only we all would spend more time meditating on God’s Word and spend more time with Him, listening to His voice speak to us!
I am reminded of that beautiful hymn called “In The Garden.” The chorus describes the peace and joy of sharing time with God…
And He walks with me, And He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
I pray you will find that peace that passes all understanding… as you invest your time wisely waiting on the Lord… and listening to His voice speaking to you.