Anxiety

Trepidation vs. Inspiration

It’s been difficult to write lately.  There is never a lack in God’s Kingdom, therefore it must be me.  I realize today that I lack enthusiasm, hope, and love for my neighbors.  The Holy Fire of God’s Spirit simmers, but not fiery-hot like it should be in my heart.

Forgive me LORD, as I am a weak creature not worthy of Your love or hope; yet I ask to be rekindled once again for service to the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  Although I kneel for no man, I willingly bend both my knees before Almighty God and King Jesus.

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It’s amazing how God works to raise us up from a place of depression, fear, and lack of hope to a realization that we see things from a very limited perspective.  Out of the blue today as we walked together, Mother reminded me that my lack of inspiration is totally my problem – not God’s.  After all, He gave me His WORD.  That is more than sufficient to keep me focused on Him instead of the worries of this life.  Remind me, LORD:

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written:

                “For Your sake we are killed all day long;

                We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

                37Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  ~ Romans 8: 35-39 NKJV

Throughout this Covid-19 pandemic and social unrest, I witness people who are experiencing great anxiety.  Many endure depression and/or panic attacks as they attempt to adapt to illness, loss of loved ones to the virus, social distancing, job losses, and (for many) feeling the loss of church attendance through mandated restrictions.  I recently attended two family graveside services unrelated to coronavirus, but very difficult to observe social distancing in the midst of devastating loss.  Yet, the LORD is ever so faithful to comfort.  Both funeral services were perhaps the most beautiful of any I have ever attended.

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The LORD has also blessed me with unexpected but welcome opportunities to meet new people and share the Gospel with them.  That’s Pretty amazing, since I live in a rural setting and am not out and about much in the community.  Two friends approached me to visit my church this week!  HALLELUJAH!  God still works His plan for each of us; no matter what is happening on the earth.  Amen?

Praise Jehovah God for His Covenants with us, His children!  Thank You, LORD, for promising us that we do not walk alone if we believe in Your Son, Jesus.  You are still answering prayers, healing the sick, freeing the captives from sin, and bringing peace and comfort to those who cry out to You.

I am reminded again of Romans 8: 31:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Thank you for following Importantstuff.Live – whether in trepidation or inspiration!

God Bless You All.

Practice Rejoicing

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4 NIV

The Apostle Paul wrote these words in his final message to the church at Philippi from prison.  I have become so negative in the past year I realize that I need to practice rejoicing.  What a difference I can make in God’s kingdom if only I will remember Paul’s message to believers:

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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. ~ Philippians 4:5-7 NIV

On Resurrection Day, the victory belongs to Jesus.  He conquered the grave, and the angels proclaimed to the women who discovered the empty tomb, “Do not be afraid! ” “Do not be afraid!”.

Jesus appeared to the women near the tomb and to His disciples later with greetings of “Do not be afraid!” and “Peace be unto you!”.

Today we can rejoice in our faith that Jesus is a Living Savior.  There are no decayed remains of Jesus in a tomb or grave somewhere in Jerusalem. We can rest in the knowledge that God’s Word records a world shattering event when Jesus rose from the darkness of the grave.  Jesus broke the chains of the penalty for our sins, and therefore salvation is free to all who believe in Him.  Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven today.  PRAISE GOD FOR SO GREAT SALVATION!

Even though the church is under attack  and believers suffer persecution for following Christ (over 900,000 Christians killed per year); don’t let anyone steal your joy as you observe Resurrection Day.  Celebrate the fullness of life in Jesus with family and friends and remain steadfast in your faith that Jesus is Risen.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

“I will practice, Lord.  I will practice rejoicing and enjoy your gift of peace.”

Thank you for following importantstuff.live!

Photo Credit: ©Can Stock Photo Inc/Zagorodnaya
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God’s Purpose vs. Man’s Panic

The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen“ ~ Isaiah 14:24 NIV

This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? ~ Isaiah 14:26-27 NIV

The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty. The Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity. ~ Psalm 93:1 NIV

Do we trust what we see with our own eyes?  Or do we trust in God’s Word?  If we trust God’s authority over all, what business do we have giving in to feelings of panic during adversity or catastrophe?  Anxiety is the playground of the evil one.

Help us, Father, to recognize your sovereign power over this earth, our lives, and our enemies. Give us peace from torments as we trust in Your power over all things real or imagined, living or dead, spiritual or natural, past or present. Thank You in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

God has plans for this world, not problems. There is never a panic in heaven.
W. Ian Thomas

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