I was listening to a financial consultant to our government today (on line). He was forecasting a great depression worse than in the 30's. It could make many folks afraid financially and otherwise too. However, the Lord brought to my mind Philippians 4:4-8.
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.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Here God uses the Apostle Paul to remind us how to react to such things. We are to rejoice in the Lord always because He is in control of our lives. Paul says: Be anxious for nothing (don't worry about any thing), but learn to take everything to God in earnest prayer. Then he adds the very important item (with thanksgiving).
You see, one cannot worry and be thankful to God at the same time! The original text brings out this thought: "by adoration and great appreciation" is included in thanksgiving. Therefore we are to focus on the Lord, not on what is worrisome! The result is that the peace of God, which goes beyond our understanding, will keep your heart & mind through Christ. [The peace of God guards our minds; the God of peace guides our minds as we trust in Him.]
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