Comfort and solace
Published on October 3, 2005 By pseudosoldier In Religion
Philippians 4:6-9

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.


Turning out all anxiety is difficult. Not worrying about the things that matter most to you is nearly humanly impossible. This does not seem to be an endorsement for the "Don't worry, be happy" crowd, but an admonishment to those who can't put their trust in God.

This also falls in with a chapter in another book I'm reading and enjoying, Zen In The Martial Arts, by Joe Hyams (I picked up a copy of this small paperback on Half.com for about $3.50). The chapter, Make A Friend With Fear, talks about facing situations that you have made yourself fearful of, analyzing away your anxieties, and continuing through. The following chapter, Confident Seeing, is about visualizing success and accomplishment, and just doing. I think, somehow, that these are all linked...

Comments
on Oct 05, 2005
Psuedo’s words: “Turning out all anxiety is difficult. Not worrying about the things that matter most to you is nearly humanly impossible.”
I agree totally with you in this statement. I would emphasize one word out of four of your words, “IS NEARLY HUMANLY IMPOSSIBLE.

You have imspired me to write an article on why we don't have to fear situations that seem humanly impossible. You know where to look.

Fear Not!

on Oct 06, 2005
I need to read more of you anyway, Teacher. And I certainly look forward to your insight in this...
on Oct 06, 2005
Turning out all anxiety is difficult


There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24

Now get back to the SCIF and study Arabic! God will make you happy there!!!

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things


Really, it helps if you "meditate on it day and night" and "pray without ceasing." "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Including giving up worry for a bit, even there.

"And they that wait upon the Lord shall renew there strength and mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, the shall walk and not faint."

Never fear to ask for help. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1 John 5:14-15
on Oct 06, 2005
NBS - It's not work that's the issue, not any longer. I actually am at peace with where I am (and where I could go) in my job, now. Odd, isn't it, that I who railed against the fetters they had put on me now freely accept them, eh? I'm more physically fit, more in tune with the job... and I look forward to being the new greywar for a potential next mission, if it happens to fall on me to do so (before I get out, if that's what happens).

There's just so much other stuff that has happened lately. I appreciate what I have to assume is sincere enthuasiasm for my well-being. Please know that the feeling is mutual.
on Oct 07, 2005
In reply to NBS: It is so true, we need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. So often we come to the Lord only after we have worn ourselves out with our own efforts. We come out of desperation. We say, "God, I don't know what else to do, I have tried and tried to overcome in this situation, but I give up. Help me!"

And the Lord answers, "Really? .... Are you finally turning to Me? You are honestly going to rely on Me? Why didn't you come to me first? I would have saved you from so many messes."

I take great liberties putting words in God's mouth , but those words have a basis in Scripture and I have seen it happen over and over again in my own life. Each day I tell God that I am a desperate woman. I kneel at His feet with a humble heart, trusting that He is already dealing with all the things that concern me, my family, and all those I hold in my heart.

We need to give up our begging mode and turn on our believing mode in every situation of life.