Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~
I've read that verse many times...maybe it's just everything that is going on in my life right now. I've been practicing being content, but is contentedness the same as not being anxious?
~
The dictionary gives this definition for anxious: "full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; greatly worried"
~
And here is the definition for content: "satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else"
~
From these definitions it seems that being content doesn't necessarily mean that you will not be anxious. But, the two words are definitely related...
~
Also in our study, Beth Moore talked about what we default to when we are going through tough times. Some people default to panic (do the wrong thing), becoming paralyzed (do no-thing) or pray (do the power thing). According to the verse above, we are to default to prayer, supplication and thanksgiving.
~
So help me, God!
5 comments:
Hi Kate - I'm honored to be the first commenter on your blog!:)
Phil 4:6-7 is one of my favorite verses. Not only are we to pray about everything, I generally ask God to give me His peace that passes all understanding (v7). It comforts me to know that God can give me that peace when I pray to Him and ask for it. And it's amazing that He can grant us that kind of peace.
Had to comment because I love the thought of that! :)
Autumn
Hey Kate! Finally got onto my email and read yours about you starting a blog. You are so brave to do that and have it public. I think I still prefer the journal/diary method...Anyhow, Your page looks great! What a beautiful family! I had to comment on this one in particular because of the difference between content and being anxious. I've tried to understand this by practicing what it means to trust God. When I trust God I am less anxious (notice I just said less...not that it went away...which is why I still have to practice trusting God) Typically, when I am less anxious...I AM more content with many things. It could be with my family, the kids, my marriage, work, friends, etc. The interesting part about trusting God more is that I have noticed that I must first be in that mode of frequent dialoging with God, reading God's word or doing devotionals then it is like a chain reaction...I feel less anxious thus more content. I personally struggle with the difference with being content and striving to make things better, look nicer, etc. If I want to make something better or look nicer, does that mean I am not content? I have not resolved the answer to this. Perhaps, your study will tackle this and you can let me know.
See you soon!
Lisa S.
Thanks for your encouragement, Autumn and Lisa! Lisa, there is a quote by Max Lucado that I just love: "God loves us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way." Have peace in knowing that God knows your heart and your intentions! See you both soon...
Hi Kate-
Reading your blog makes me realize how much I miss Mom's group and can't wait to get back next week! Practicing and living contentment is difficult to say the least; especially in our society. I think many times simply trying to be content can cause anxiousness. Many times they go hand in hand, but that is okay...it causes spiritual growth! The quote from Max Lucado is one of my favorites!
"God loves us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way." God is good and has a plan for us!
See you soon,
Amy
Amy,
We miss you at Bible Study too! We are on Daniel 7 this week...
~kate~
Post a Comment