In Phil. 4:6 Paul says two great things. First, It is "in nothing," then it is "in everything. . ." The former has to do with cares, the latter with giving thanks. And this from a Roman prison!

Harassing care, or worry, is to play no part in the Christian's life. The fine mettle of Christian character is diluted by the alloy of worry and care. The root idea behind anxiety or worry is that of "choking;" pulling in two di­rections at the same time. Under such pressure, one becomes apprehensive, care-worn and confused. There is lit­tle doubt but that many people are be­set by worry and care. As the world grows more affluent, its people seem to grow more anxious. As technology has increased our powers, so it has our anxiety. Life is not as plain and sim­ple as it once was, and "high strung" people are the rule rather than the ex­ception any more. All this points to one thing - it is our worry - not our work - that wears us out!

We need to see the folly of anxiety. First it accomplishes absolutely noth­ing (Matt. 6:27 ). If it got something done, there may be some justification for it. Charles Kingsley once gave some good advice: "Do today's duty, fight today's temptation, and do not weaken and distract yourself by look­ing forward to things which you can­not see, and could not understand if you saw them." God advice indeed!

What is the cause of anxiety? Simply put, it is distrust in God. In connec­tion with some who were overly anx­ious about material things. Jesus said they' were of "little faith" (Matt. 6:30 ). Faith in God and an anxious soul are generally mutually exclusive. Does not the one who marks the fall of the sparrow care for man, the crown of his creation (Matt. 6:26 )? God has promised to never leave us (Heb. 13:5). Our needs and burdens are not surprises to God! He understands them; feels them, but in the midst of all of them he wants us to trust him.

Why is it that some never seem to be able to rid themselves of their cares and anxieties? Probably it is because they are trying to do so by sheer effort of the will without God's help. In the verse we are considering Paul said to "let your requests be made known to God." You cannot rid yourself of your worrys by hardening yourself into stoical indifference. There is a better way, and that way is through prayer. We need to learn to empty ourselves of fear, doubt and worry and fill our hearts with faith (Matt. 8:26 ; 14:31 ; 6:30 ).

Now the question is: "How can these things be done?" In our verse, Paul says there are three things. First, there is prayer. The word is proseuche, and refers not only to prayer, but the attitude of the one praying. Certainly prayer may be verbalized, but one also needs to know how to bow in silence before God in the right attitude. Here is one thing Paul meant when he said to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17 ).

Then there is supplication. This is more than the actual petition, but an asking God to supply the present want or need. To tell God what you need goes a long way in his seeing that you receive it! If we have an anxiety that we are ashamed to speak to God about, it is a sign that we ought not have that which we might pray about. If you have a desire you cannot put in prayer, that is a warning not to cherish such a desire.

Then there is thanksgiving. We should not be moody, morose or doubtful when going into the presence of God. Our general spirit upon such occasions, says Paul, should be "with thanksgiving." Many of our cares and worries would disappear if we would just stop and thank God for what we already have! A truly thankful heart is so full of a sense of God's mercies that is has no room for worries and cares. "In nothing - in everything..." There is a place for both! God cares, and he can remove your cares. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

Never have been much of a movie fan, especially the kind they make today. But I did have a little adventure while in a meeting once - just me and ol' Gene. First I thought the TV was broken, for when I turned in on, the people had their clothes on and I heard no swearing or filth. The picture sort of looked funny till it dawned on me it was in "black and white." Come to find out, the motel I was in had a "Nostalgia Channel" on the cable, and sure enough, there was Gene and Champion - big as day!

The bad guys (the ones with the black hats) were so nice they made the cops of today’s movies look like crooks. Oh sure, you could figure the plot out way ahead of time, but that wasn't the point. I guess those of us who were kids when Gene and Roy (who has taken his last ride) rode the range are somewhat simpler than the "connois­seurs" of today's entertainment. Still haven't figured out how old Gene's six shooter never seem to run out of bul­lets!

It had been a long time since I rode with old Gene - and it sure was nice. I sure wish the kids today could do the same - they don't know what they're missing. - Bill Moseley