Dear brothers and sisters,
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
These are trying times. Every day we have more news that could cause us to panic or at least to be anxious. Every day brings new opportunities to fear or panic or hoard or blame or curse. Every day also gives us the opportunity to follow the advice of Paul the Apostle which is recorded in his letter to the followers of Jesus in the city of Philippi.
I just want to encourage you to pray and to be at peace. Do what you can. Act responsibly.
Keep Calm and Carry On.
The Apostle Paul was in prison or under house arrest in Rome when he wrote this beautiful letter to the little church in Philippi. He was likely chained to two Roman soldiers all the time. He used this opportunity to spread the love and message of Jesus throughout the "whole palace guard". Can you imagine being an elite Roman soldier who was chained to Paul for 12 hours every day?
As we listen to news reports and as we discuss with friends the events of today and the thoughts about tomorrow, let's remember these powerful and transformative words of Paul:
Don't be anxious or fearful.
Pray and express your concerns and your longings to God.
Give thanks for all that you have and all that is around you.
Allow the supernatural peace of God to guard your heart and mind because of your faith in the One who created and sustains the universe.
This season will pass. Tomorrow and next month and next year will bring new opportunities to rejoice and/or new opportunities to be afraid or even panic. Let's position ourselves today to rest in Him. Let's prepare our minds and hearts today to trust in Him. Let's give our minds and our hearts the freedom to not be anxious.
Come Holy Spirit of God, refresh my spirit and help me release anxiety and fear and replace it with faith and joy. Let me be as concerned about others as I am about myself and my loved ones. Help me to be more like You.
With love and prayers,
Stan