Southland Students - Monday
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
There is something about our human nature and culture that causes us to look intently toward our future and set our minds on what could possibly be there. We tend to make a big deal about tomorrow, not letting ourselves sit in the “right now” and be present in our current situation and setting.
As an incoming freshman in college, my mind is always wandering and thinking about what's to come in the next few months. Knowing no one else who’s going to my college, I’ve had some anxious thoughts fill my mind recently, such as, “Will I be able to find a community to get plugged into?” or “Will I be able to have relationships with people like I do now?” These questions have consumed my mind so often, causing even more anxious thoughts and fears to creep in and taking me away from the current reality and time that I’m in. Anyone else with me on this?
The scripture above, however, has been a place that I can turn to when those anxious thoughts and fears arise. Here is what Paul is telling us: Don’t be anxious and fearful of current or future situations and circumstances, but instead, lift your eyes and perspective to the One who ultimately has complete control. We are never left alone to deal with our fears and anxieties. We are promised that the One who started the work within us will complete it and give us strength to endure.
The truth is, God holds fast to you. Paul knew from experience what he was writing in Phillipians. The words he wrote describe how God’s peace will enter into our hearts, our fears and anxieties will be laid down, and an indescribable amount of restfulness will surround our thoughts and emotions. God’s peace will destroy any state of chaos that our hearts and minds are in.
Monday’s Reflection
Spend some time sitting and being present in the now. When anxiety and chaos begin to set in, turn your eyes above and lay everything at His feet. Pray that God would reveal the things you are trying to control, and submit your authority over them. Then, give the rest to the Lord. Let us choose to submit and surrender today.