May 02nd, 2016

Have you ever been anxious? Every once in a while I get that way…at least I think I am anxious. Not so much a fear; just an anticipation of what the future may hold. The fact that fear is common, however, does not mean it is from the Lord. There are certain situations that will trigger a frightened response. But God doesn’t want us to live with ongoing fear or anxiety. God even says in Luke 12:7 “Fear not,” yet we sometimes are frozen by fear or anxiety.

Today, I shared with some people at church that I was going to have oral surgery on Monday. Immediately I found there were basically three ways that news was taken.

1. Some expressed sincere concern and said they would pray for me.
   
2. Some immediately told their horror stories about their oral surgery adventure.
   
3. Some offered to do the surgery for me by using a hammer and pliers.
   

As I smiled through all three options, I thought about what tomorrow may entail and came to the realization that I really don’t know. What I did decide is that I can’t let the unknown cloud the known. In reading the Bible, I can find that in Philippians 4:6-7 we are to “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  

I enjoy the simplicity and the straight forwardness of God’s word. If I have faith in God I can take all things to him through prayer; sharing with him the very thoughts of my heart. Making my requests known to him, knowing an almighty God hears and responds, and knowing that he is in control truly brings a peace that I cannot understand. I also know that God will keep me and never let me go. There was nothing I could do to be saved and nothing I can do to lose it. Anxiety or fear will make us take our eyes off of an Almighty God. He tells us not to fear so we will depend on him, to feel secure in him and trust him. I have no idea what tomorrow may hold but I am turning it over to him. He keeps me. Enjoy your coffee.

Love you all,
Pastor Gary