Mid-Week Musings
November 6, 2024
Suggested Reading: Philippians 4:6-7
Dear NBRC Family & Friends,
Some things have to be experienced to be better understood. Can you possibly understand the loss of a loved one without experiencing such loss yourself? How can one understand what it feels like to hold a newborn baby without having actually held one in one’s own arms? Your description of a beautiful sunset might come close to seeing the real thing, but it will still fall short of actually seeing such a sunset with your own eyes.
There are things the Bible says that we can better understand when we personally experience them. Something the Bible says that I’ve come to better understand recently is what Paul says in Philippians 4:7,
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As you can maybe imagine, I’m living with a lot of questions and uncertainties right now. There are lots of unknowns. There are lots of reasons why I could feel anxious. But, I don’t. Instead, I have a sense of peace. It’s a peace I can neither fully comprehend nor manufacture. It’s a peace, a “quiet confidence,” that can only come as a gift from God.
The decision to accept the call to Wellsburg was bathed in much prayer, my own prayers and those of many others. God’s guidance and direction were requested. I believe the peace I have from God concerning my acceptance of the call to Wellsburg is the result of following His guidance and direction.
While there’s so much more that could be said about the suggested reading, and specifically about verse 7, let me say this: God offers a peace that we cannot fully comprehend, but that we can experience, even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. Instead of being anxious, turn to God in prayer. Remember that He is near. Ask and trust Him for what you need. Thank Him for His presence and provision. Expect His peace.
Pastor Ron
Prayer suggestion: As you pray, ask God to keep you from anxiety and ask Him for His peace.
(On Sunday morning, November 10, 2024, the sermon title will be Putting in Everything. The Scripture lesson will be from Mark 12:38-44.)