Being anxious for not one thing is a pretty tall order, wouldn’t you say? I read these words and think surely they were written by someone who lived in another world.
After all, this is the day in which Christians are persecuted for their faith. Entire groups of people are being uprooted and displaced. Nations rock from the winds of cultural shock, financial collapse, and horrifying evil. A world that seems to be spinning out of control sends chills down my spine.
Even closer to home are troublesome issues. The death of too-many-too-young-to-die begs for answers to the why questions. And then there are the sick and the lonely. One cannot visit or call enough to meet the needs all around. Some who have fallen likely won’t get up, be it physically or emotionally.
So how did the old Apostle—or God—expect us not to be anxious? Is a non-anxious existence even possible in our world?
Tall orders call for tall actions! That weary and worn old missionary/preacher recommended prayer as the answer. “Tell God,” he says, “and His peace (which, by the way, you won’t understand) will guard your heart and mind.”1
My heart certainly needs some guarding. Do you ever feel like wearing a sign that says, “Caution: Too many straws dumped here could break this camel’s back!”
Then Paul added another action to the plan for not being anxious: “Think on good things.” Obviously, I’m dwelling on the bad ones: the fear; the pain, the loss, the suffering. How about you? What are you thinking on?
But Paul said we shouldn’t. Apparently, there are better things to focus on that are true, not fabricated; noble, not shameful; just, not unfair; pure, not defiled; lovely, not despicable; and good, not evil.
So what was I thinking? Of course there are things that are virtuous and praiseworthy. Paul said to think about them and meditate on them, and then will come the great promise of God: P – E – A – C – E.
The peace that God promises to us is a perfect peace that the world cannot receive, but it can be mine and yours. That is, if we follow Paul’s instructions and be careful what we think about.2
You see, Paul knew by experience what he was talking about, for he also lived in a world that persecuted Christians for their faith. He was one of them. The next time our faithless words “Really, God?” question His control over our messed-up world, we must closely listen for God’s calm and loving response: “Really, my child, really.” I’m certain that Paul did.
I’m praying for each of you to have God’s indescribable peace in your life today in spite of the turmoil in your world. Really. ~ Janie Kellogg
Key Scripture: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” ~ Isaiah 26:3
1Philippians 4:6-9; 2Isaiah 26:3
TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS 
Amen. Even when we consider our personal troubles and fears, be anxious of nothing, can easily become an unpractical demand. Yet, how could God ever require us something he never provided? I have to learn this everyday since I am grad student with many responsibilities. I am glad God, daily reminds me through many obedient servants, like you. I can have a reason of peace today. Many thanks from the kid next door.
Thank you so much for the great comment on my blog. Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit to daily teach and remind us all of God’s great provisions for us! I feel that many of us live far beneath the privileges of peace and joy that Jesus paid for in our behalf. I have been to your blog and enjoyed several of your posts as well. I feel that your writing is far advanced to mine and your insights are remarkable. Many blessings to you in your work and ministry. ~ Janie
S.B. If you haven’t figured it out yet I always like to talk about me, so this won’t be a shock to you. I will say this you need to STOP following me around with that video recorder. I had to leave Peg and the kids sitting in church Sunday night because I could not control my blubbering and embarrassed myself so badly. I had to leave at 3 am this morning. I woke up doing the same thing HEAVY HEART burdened to the max ON EVERYTHING YOU JUST WROTE IN THIS BLOG. This is the best; it should be in the N.Y.Times. I’m not computer savvy, but if you will some how get me this I will make copies and give to everyone I come across. One word, POWERFUL. OK, TWO WORDS, POWERFUL POWERFUL.
Thank you for such complimentary comments! I really don’t have a video recorder, but I expect the Holy Spirit knew just what you needed to read today. Glad it was my blog that encouraged you! The email in your inbox should allow you to print this; but if not, I’ll put you a copy in the mail. You can also forward that email to people in your address book. When you click on “forward” a space appears for you to write your own comments before sending it out. In that space you could encourage them to subscribe to my blog, if they think they would like to get future posts. Again, thanks for your very generous comments. ~ Janie