Tag: God is near
Day 2–Pray–Don’t Worry
Scripture reading for April 14: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious 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 surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul was writing to a supporting church from prison in Rome. He was awaiting a verdict that would determine whether he lived or was executed. He knew that the believers would be distressed because of his circumstances and that they also faced possible arrest and execution. He wrote to instruct them and to show them how to cope with daily stress and temptations to worry. His instructions are simple and helpful to all of us in the responder community.
Again we are encouraged to rejoice in the midst of difficulties and troubles. In fact, Paul states it twice for emphasis! He then tells them to let their reasonableness be known to all. When we are secure in Christ Jesus through faith and relationship, it is reasonable to rest in joy and confidence that God is in control. It is our choice to rejoice and to pray with thanksgiving recognizing that God is near to us and with us.
We are also instructed not to worry but to pray about all our fears and needs. When we pray, we should pray in faith that God will answer and even thank Him in advance for hearing and providing. When we cast our cares on the Lord we are to leave them there. In place of our cares and fears, God’s peace will come over us and guard our hearts and minds from worry and fear. We do our part by refocusing our thought life on what is good, lovely and perfect. We also set an example for other believers that helps everyone. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Prayer: Father, thank You for this simple instruction for Your children to live in peace and not fear or anxiety. Help me to practice this and be the example You desire for others and those You send me to help. Thank You for hearing and answering! I will meditate on Your goodness and grace. Amen.
Day 4–God Sets our Boundaries
Scripture reading for April 9: Acts 17:25-29 “. . .since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for “In Him we live and move and have our being’;. . .”
Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Man makes plans and often arrogantly thinks that he is the master of his own life and is in control. He sees no need for God and relegates those who seek God’s plans to ancient history. But Scripture teaches us the truth. God is the life-giver to all creatures including man. God also made from one man every nation and tongue who live on the earth. Scripture states that God sets the boundaries of each person’s habitation on earth. He determines our address and the length of time we will reside there.
As we feel our way along through life’s hills and valleys, God draws us to Himself, and His goodness leads us to repentance and life. As Paul states, God is not far from each of us. We are like fish in an ocean of God. Yet He does not overwhelm us or force us to know Him. True love must be freely given. God demonstrates this love through the giving of His Son.
As responders, a biblical world view that recognizes God’s nearness and good plans to help all mankind enables us to rest in God while we work. The fact that God made us all from one man means that we are all on level ground, there are no big ‘I’s or little ‘you’s’. Each person is precious and made in God’s image. God has and is setting boundaries for each person. When we face death, we understand that God is there and has the final say. We do the best we can with what God provides and trust Him for outcomes. Even when our plans get diverted in unexpected ways, we can and must trust God is ordering our steps for His purposes.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are in control of all things. Help me to recognize Your direction of my steps and the steps of those I am sent to help. Help me to treat each person as special and demonstrate the love of our amazing Father. Amen.