Quote from Forum Archives on April 9, 2001, 10:53 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I think that Neil Anderson is right on in his suggestions on
dealing with anxiety. It is for our joy, for our sake, and
ultimately, for His Glory, that Jesus Christ endured the events
of this week. It was not Brian, nor Neil, nor even the apostle
Paul, who first spoke about dealing appropriately with anxiety,
but it was our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, who continually
reminded His disciples and followers not to worry about what to
drink, what to wear, or what to do, but instead, to seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness (see the famous Sermon
on the Mount, Matthew 5-7 for the complete and definitive
message).

Some people question the validity of scripture, and the
consistency of scripture. I encourage you to read the Gospel
account in Matthew, then read what the apostle Paul says in
Philippians 4, and again what the disciple and apostle Peter has
to say in 1 Peter 5, and decide for yourself whether or not these
passages agree. I believe they agree, and each of them points us
to a much better alternative than worry or despair - trusting and
relying completely on God, because of what Jesus Christ Himself
has done.

Dear Lord,

I thank You so much for the consistent, understandable truth of
Your Word, and the direct application of its principles to the
issues that concern us today - even our anxieties and worries.
For those of us who are struggling today with these things, I ask
that You renew our minds, and replace our concerns with an inner
peace, because we believe Your Word, and trust You for all
things. For those people who do not really appreciate the extent
of Your love for us, I pray that You would sprout forth new seeds
of faith. Jesus Himself said that it does not take a great deal
of faith to begin believing, but the faith of a mustard seed can
be cultivated to grow into something much larger than our feeble
understanding and faith. How good it is that You have made that
provision for us today.

Forgive our impatience and lack of trust, and teach us a better
way - Your way. Amen.

Brother Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
From: "Crosswalk.com" <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
To: <masinick@yahoo.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Monday, April 9, 2001
Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 22:00:45 -0400

N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

April 9

DEALING WITH ANXIETY

The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Christians have frequently relied upon a sense of peace as
evidence of the Holy Spirit's leading. It is common to hear
people say, "I just don't have a peace about it." I think that is
legitimate. I would be concerned about the person who proceeds
when his spirit is disturbed. God doesn't lead through anxiety.
We are to cast our anxiety upon Jesus, because He cares for us (1
Peter 5:7).

Still, a lot of money is spent on the temporary "cure" of
anxiety. People consume alcohol, take illegal drugs, turn to the
refrigerator, have sex, mindlessly repeat mantras, and escape to
cabins, boats and motor homes--all to reduce their anxiety. One
lady said, "Whenever I feel anxious, I go on a shopping spree!"
Prescription drugs are regularly dispensed for the ails brought
on by anxiety.

The bartender, drug pushers, occult practitioner, and other
peddlers of escapism all have one thing in common: They really
don't care about the consumer. They are out to make a profit.
Even worse, when the temporary "cure" wears off, we have to
return to the same world with the added problem of hangovers and
other negative consequences of fake healers.

Internally, we desperately need the peace of God: "Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6,7). The
awareness of a troubled spirit should drive us to find the peace
of God by turning to Him and assuming our responsibility to use
our minds.

Thank You, Lord, for breaking through so many of my old anxieties
and setting me free. I ask You to free me from those that
remain.

-----------
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