DO NOT BE ANXIOUS

by Charles Robey
(MOODY AL USA)

"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 4:6-7)

Are you like me, with respect of anxiety? In today’s world, and especially in America, we can simply pick and choose. Today’s anxiety is all around us. In the home, the workplace, the schools and universities, the entertainment, the government, and oh yes in the church as well.

What has happened to our great Republic of America? As for me, I don’t rightly know, but I have my own personal suspicions. I have proactively somewhat stopped reading or listening to the mainstream media, and also the social media giving out the possibility of stretched truths or commentaries lacking in faith-based and patriotic quality. Thus, I have elected to an increase of payer and supplication, for this great Republic of America, its leaders and its people.

Realizing, of course, there are any number of ongoing examples, both pro and con, respecting today’s American progressive dialog. Thus, for and against advocating or implementing social reform or new liberal ideas. As for me, however, being of the “Old Time Religion” mindset, change is the least of my concerns .
The Scripture (Romans 8:31) points us to what we can be confident in. God is for us, and he is with us. Who Can Be Against Us…. Paul now draws the logical conclusion. If God is who he says he is, and if he is for us, then no one can be against us. God is bigger than whatever you and I are facing. Including America’s ongoing political affairs.

So, I assume, unless you have been hiding under that preverbal socialistic rock, you are probably well aware of America’s mainline news broadcasting of America’s past 45th president being recently charged by federal authorities, for certain crimes allegedly committed. I need not go into this case; you can read and think for yourself.

Although, after much prayer and supplication for our Country, I have my own private opinion of the circumstances surrounding this incident, as well as other likeminded impeders. My main concern, however, is not to personally focus so much on American’s conflicts. For you see, I’m now older than dirt and twice as gritty. My concern is not for me, but for my family.

So, I center around the principles of our founding fathers’ positional documents respecting our great Republic of America, the land of the free and home of the brave, now and into the future. Those founding documents such as “The Declaration of Independence” and the “Constitution”, hopefully are still alive and well. And above all, are still in line with our freedom within the biblical concepts.

I do know, however, our living Creator God, is still in control of this great land of ours, regardless of today’s cultural philosophies. The Scripture is plain in that He appoints both good and evil, to affect his divine will upon His created universe. (Daniel 2:20-22)

Conversely, our living Creator God has always attained us to be in subjection to the proper prescribed authorities. For there is no authority except from God. This does not say, however, that only certain forms of government are ordained of God. God established and upheld the principle of government even though some governments do not fulfill His desires. (Romans 13:1-7) (1 Peter 2:13) (Titus 3:1)

I have to admit, nonetheless from the circumstances surrounding us today, in our great Republic of America, this Scripture is taking much prayer and supplication on my part.

Oh, I know, being of the human species, I tend to jabber at times, even to the point of going off the deep end, so to speak, be it good or bad for all concerned. I am working, sometimes day and night, on this misnomer by prayer and supplication, as given in (Philippians 4:6-7). But I’ve not given up on our great Republic America. I still feel God has a place for America in His redemption plan.

As Dr. David Jeremiah puts it in his best seller The Book of Signs, “It seems clear that God does have a plan for America. It is true that we have no direct reference to that plan in the Old and New Testaments, but that does not discount the fact that God has a sovereign purpose for America in His redemption plan.

“Clearly, America did not become the land of the free and home of the brave by blind fate or a set of coincidences. A benevolent God has been hovering over this nation from its very conception.”

God's loving plans for our lives are filled with hope and purpose. Trust in Him and let His word guide you on your life’s journey. May we experience His blessings and grace today and always! So, come now, will you not join me in this all-conclusive prayer.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the promise of Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me to trust in You with all my heart and not to rely on my own understanding. Teach me to turn to You in prayer, and to present my requests with thanksgiving, knowing that You are in control of all things.

In times of worry and anxiety, remind me to seek refuge in Your presence and to find comfort in Your unfailing love. Let Your peace guard my heart and mind, guarding me from the turmoil of this world. I pray that I may grow in faith, trusting that You are always with me, guiding me through every challenge.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

AUTHOR’S POSTSCRIPT

Looking back to history, I can envision Washington kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge; our founding fathers on their knees at the Continental Congress; Lincoln praying in the hour of national crisis; and Woodrow Wilson reading the Bible at night in the White House by a dim light.

In his 1981 inaugural address, President Ronald Reagan stated, “No arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have. It is a weapon that we as Americans do have. Let that be understood by those who practice terrorism and prey upon their neighbors.”

We must not ever discount the dictates of God’s Holy Word, which should come first in the lives of all Americans. Its teachings are clear in (II Timothy 3:16), as well as its honor bestowed upon its human writers.

Obviously in history God blessed America over all other nations. Where most other nations have long outlived America, I ‘d still be the first to realize America’s culture has always seemed to be moved by the very existence of God. Historically, the principles of faith-based patriotic freedom seem to always unite with Christianity. As Scripture tells us, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

So, come now, put on your “Glory Boots” and go to work for the betterment of all concerned.

(II Chronicles 7:14) says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."