I read this morning that at the conclusion of 2019 the Bible app, YouVersion, revealed that the most-shared, highlighted, and bookmarked verse of the year was Philippians 4:6-“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Think about that date…2019. The pandemic was just starting. I suspect that verse stayed in the Top 3 over the next two years as well.
We are a worrying and fearful people. We are an anxious people. We have gadgets which are supposed to make our lives easier but I’m of the opinion they have done the opposite. Instead of sitting and enjoying one another’s company, we are on our phones. Even when you haven’t seen someone in awhile and the time should be spent laughing and visiting, our faces are planted on our phone and our fingers are either scrolling or typing at breakneck speed.
Sorry for the tangent. Off the soapbox. We are a worrying people. Some concern, of course, is natural and good. Love is like that. But our “worry-rate” is off the charts. Even followers of Jesus live in fear.
I have to believe God wonders about it all. We call ourselves followers of Jesus but then fret. The old cartoon of someone biting their fingernails off like a typewriter (remember those?) comes to mind. But, you see, I gave you Phil. 4:6. What I didn’t give you was verse 7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The psalmist had a serious question in Psalm 13, one I suspect runs rather rampant these days: “How long, Lord, how long?” Stay tuned for my next devotion as I take a look at Psalm 13 and see what David found out in answer to his question.
Meanwhile...”May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord cause His face to shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift you up and give you peace.“ (Numbers 6:24-26)
All Scripture is from the NASB2020.
We certainly need to get off our devices and truly reconnect with one another, Bill. I do love these verses from Philippians, too. What a great way to start my day!
Blessings!
I had a funeral about a month or so ago and one of the characteristics of the man was whenever he was with you he was all there. I have made a very concentrated effort to do that. Unless my phone goes off, I make every effort to never look at it. I agree on those verses also. Thanks for the comment.
Anxiety is a real joy killer. I try to remember that my mind can conjure up a million ways things can go bad if I let it… (and if I listen to the deceiver whisper in my ears). I remember night after night rolling in bed trying to sleep and would blame it on my mind just not shutting down… Well it takes awhile to get through a million scenarios. In an effort to numb the mind, I would use sleep aids or other things to help, but over time, those fail as well.
–Be anxious for nothing–
Know that God is in control and as long as I put my focus on Him all will be taken care of.
–Also, realizing that even after working through every plausible scenario, usually NONE of the outcomes happen the way that is anticipated or conjured up.
–Be content (like Paul in prison where he wrote the letter to the Philippians) — sometimes easier said than done, but the more I can be joyful in the midst of suffering, the less the sting will hurt.
I think we all go through those kinds of times Ryan, making up scenarios like “If he does this I will do this” or “If he says this I am going to say this.” I found, like you did, for it it be a dead end. I keep telling myself I am not the one in charge. Your last snippet hits home…be content.
I suffer from anxiety attacks a lot! That’s one of the reasons why I tend to avoid certain people. I also don’t answer calls or messages from people I don’t even know.
Being content with what (and Whom) one has sure is a lifesaver!
We all react differently to live incidents Ed. I do not answer calls from people I don’t know because it is a waste of time. If they want me leave a voice mail. May God grant you contentment.
Ah, one of my favorite passages. And yes, in the past few years, more than ever!
Balm and fresh perspective to the weary soul.
it is a “real” verse for today’s time for sure Linda. And it offers that balm.