(Luke 10:38-42 NASB)
Now as they were traveling along, He entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. {39} And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord's word, seated at His feet. {40} But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." {41} But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried (Anxious) and bothered (In an uproar.) about so many things; {42} but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Martha was anxious about many things. She was so concerned that everything be just right for Jesus that she had no time for Him. Further she had no patience with her sister who was content to sit and enjoy the Lord's teaching. Soon Martha had a little fit and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Tell her to get up and give me a hand!" In essence Jesus said, no I won't tell her to help you. Why? Because Mary had chosen the better part, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Here we see how anxiety has taken Martha prisoner. It rules her to the extent she is out of fellowship with both Jesus and Mary. So it is with us. When we are anxious we fail to love God and our neighbor as the Law of Love would have us do.
What makes you anxious? I am sure that between the two of us we could create quite a list. How about that teenager who was born with all the answers and has pressed you to the wall one more time? Maybe it is your Husband who is drinking himself to death. Perhaps its your Wife who says she just doesn't love you any more. Maybe its that job you thought would last forever but is suddenly gone. These and things like them come into the lives of all Christians. They are opportunities for the exercise of faith or of sinful anxiety and fear. When exercising faith we are at peace inside and out. When taken captive by anxiety we are upset with both God and men. I have been in this condition many times in my Christian life.
When we have been taken captive by anxiety were generally not interested in having little "Miss. Happiness Quote the Bible" stop by. Nevertheless she is likely to show up? She either spews out Romans eight twenty eight or Philippians 4:4 NASB. {4} Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" You just want to grab her by the neck and see how long she can rejoice without oxygen. Someone here today may want to choke me before this is over but I'll try not to be anxious about it.
Philippians four and verse four is where I want to begin what I hope will be a life altering study for someone here today. The title I have chosen for this sermon is "Theology, Prayer and Holy Meditation, God's Cure for Anxiety."
Look with me to Philippians chapter four. I'll begin reading at verse four. (Philippians 4:4-6 NASB) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! {5} Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. THE LORD IS NEAR. {6} 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."
Let's begin with some definitions. The word "rejoice" means to be glad and joyful. The word "Lord" means master, owner, the authority. Then there is the word "always" which means at all times or evermore. A paraphrase of this first sentence could read like this;
"Remain glad and joyful at all times because your Lord is the Authority over all. He is the Owner and Master of all. Again I say remain glad and joyful".
Then we have verse five. {5} Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. The word "forbearing" has to do with yielding ground or giving way to another. A forbearing person is one who doesn't insist on his own rights. He doesn't take exception to every word or act of the people around him. Then we have the word "near". It means to press or to squeeze. It tells us that something is near in place, or time, or both. In this case the Lord is near in both senses. He is literally and actually with and in us at all times in all places. Then He is near in the sense that His second coming is close at hand. Verses four and five may be paraphrased like this.
"Remain glad and joyful at all times because your Lord is the Authority over all. He is the Owner and Master of all. Again I say remain glad and joyful". Do not strive with any man rather, be patient and give place to them. Do so, because your Owner and Master, the Authority over all things and people is with you and His coming is near."
Now the sixth verse. {6} "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." First we have the word "anxious". This word describes care or concern that is so excessive and sinful it cripples a person emotionally and spiritually. It includes the idea of fear. Matthew Henry describes anxiety as, "perplexing care which distracts the mind and involves sin and distrust of God." No wonder the Holy Spirit said, "Be anxious for nothing." Anxiety is sin.
The word "nothing" means just what it says. There is nothing that has been, is, or shall be that should cause us to experience perplexing care which distracts the mind and makes us distrust God. Rather, in the midst of everything we are to pray and be thankful. The word "everything" is an all inclusive word which allows no exceptions. Do not be anxious but in all things, at all times, in all circumstances, in everything pray and be thankful.
You know the definition of "prayer". It is the means by which we speak to God. In Prayer we worship and praise the Father. In Prayer we set forth requests and confess our sins. Instead of being anxious, sinfully fearful or distracted by some trouble or circumstance, Paul instructs us to pray.
The word "supplication" refers to the requests we make when we pray. It includes the idea of earnest begging. Then we have the word, "thanksgiving." We are to be thankful to God for everything. We are to be grateful for His love, care, mercy, grace and the providence of the day. We are to be thankful in the midst of the very circumstance or problem that has brought us to the throne of grace in time of need.
Now the last phrase, "Let your requests be made known to God." What about this word God? The word is theos, God, the Divine one. This is of course the God of Abraham, Isaac and of Jacob. This is the Lord who is said to be near in verse five. So, instead of being anxious we are to, "Let our requests be made known unto God." Here is the paraphrase of verses 4-6a.
"Remain glad and joyful at all times because your Lord is the Owner and Master of all. He is the Authority over all. Again I say remain glad and joyful". Do not strive with any man rather, be patient and give place to them. Do so, because your Owner and Master, the Authority over all things and people is with you and His coming is near. Therefore, do not be sinfully anxious, fearful or distracted by your circumstances. Rather, make your concerns and requests known to God. Do this says Paul, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7 NASB)
The peace of God or the peace that originates with God is defined by the Englishman's Strong's Concordance like this. It is, "The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."
This peace, as one might expect from the definition, "surpasses the comprehension of most people." For the unregenerate AND for the uninformed Christian it is impossible to understand how anyone can be at peace, filled with joy and thankful at all times. This peace, says the Apostle, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The word "guard" means to protect, to keep in custody, to garrison about. God's peace will guard all Christians who cast their anxieties on Him through the means of grace known to us as Prayer. Now, let me do the paraphrase thing one more time.
"Remain glad and joyful at all times because your Lord is the Owner and Master of all. He is the Authority over all. Again I say remain glad and joyful". Do not strive with any man rather, be patient and give place to them. Do so, for your Owner and Master, the Ultimate Authority is with you and His coming is near." Therefore, do not be sinfully anxious, fearful or distracted by your circumstances. Rather, make your concerns and requests known to God. For He is the Owner of all, the Master of all, the Authority over all things, people and circumstances. Pray to Him at all times, make your requests known and be thankful. Do this and you will find yourself in a tranquil state of soul assured of salvation, fearing nothing, and content with your lot in life. This peace, which few understand, will surround and keep you."
Most often when we think of people who do not understand God's peace we think of the unbeliever. But I would suggest that many true Christians read this passage, or hear it expounded on, and still know nothing of this peace in their own experience. The number one reason for this is bad Theology. Assuming that you are really born again and seeking to live a Godly life it is bad Theology that robs you of this great treasure called peace.
If you have bad Theology it means, at least, that you have a wrong understanding of who God is. If you don't understand who God is you can pray till your teeth fall out and the peace promised in Philippians four will remain a mystery to you. The road to this great treasure, the peace of God, begins with Theology, an understanding of who God is.
This is critical since the Apostle tells us that our warrant for rejoicing at all times is that the Lord is near us, with us and is coming soon. Rejoice for the Lord is Near. Then he tells us that the cure for anxiety is to pray to God. God or the Lord is the critical issue here. God's nearness is to make us a rejoicing and forbearing people. Praying to God is to remove all our fears and concerns. WHETHER OR NOT THIS WORKS FOR YOU DEPENDS ON WHO YOU PERCEIVE GOD TO BE.
Years ago some officials of the Roman Catholic Church met to discuss the world situation. They came to a conclusion and shared it with the world. They said , "The world is in such bad condition at this point in history that God could not do anything about it even if He wanted to." I've just got to ask, "What good would it do to point these men to Philippians four for comfort? What would it mean to them if I said, "Rejoice in the Lord for He is Near?" Could they say anything but, "So what? He can't help us!" You see, their God is too small to do them any good.
Some years ago I heard a man on "Christian Television" say this, "There are people going to hell that God has been trying to save." Then he told those of us watching why this was. It was because we hadn't sent him enough money. Believe it or not this view of God is a very common one. The anxiety that accompanies such a low view of God makes TV evangelists millions of dollars a year. You and I know that if God is unable to save those He wishes to save He is no God at all. Such a god is not worthy of our worship. I am ashamed to admit that before I met the God of this Holy Book I contributed my two cents worth of Theological Bologna to the Christian community. I was the typical Pastor of a typical Baptist Church. During the course of many twenty minute altar calls I would tell sad stories about poor Jesus, His sad Father, and the frustrated Holy Spirit. They all wanted to save the people they created but they could not. All the Divine Threesome could do was stand outside the sinners heart and knock with tearful pleading waiting for permission to enter. There was a day when I believed this with all my heart.
I tell you beloved, the person who worships such an impotent god as I have described can't possibly rejoice or be anxiety free. If God's world is out of His control and if He is unable to save the lost without their permission and help, then what does it matter if He is near me or not! He couldn't help me even if He wanted to.
Brothers and Sisters the first and most important step toward ridding yourself of fear, anxiety which is distrust of God is to see Him as the Bible sets Him forth. Let me introduce you to my God.
(Deuteronomy 32:39 NASB) "See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; And there is no one who can deliver from My hand."
(1 Samuel 2:6-8 NASB) "The LORD (The Ultimate Authority, Owner and Master of all.) kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. {7} "The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. {8} "He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, And He set the world on them.
(1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NASB) "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, (Sovereign Reign) O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. {12} "Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule (Really rule) over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone."
(Psalms 103:19 NASB) The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all.
(Psalms 135:5-6 NASB) For I know that the LORD is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. {6} Whatever the LORD pleases, (Takes pleasure in.) He does, Achieves) In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
(Isaiah 45:7 NASB) Speaking of Himself God says I Am . . . "The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.
(Lamentations 3:37-38 NASB) Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it? {38} Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth? Take note of the possible meanings of the word, "ill." as found in Strong's Concordance. H7463a. raah, [949a]; from the same as H7455; evil, misery, distress, injury:-- adversity(7), afflictions(1), calamities(1), calamity(47), disaster(19), discomfort(1), distress(2), distresses(1), evil(115), evildoer*(1), evildoing(1), evils(5), great wickedness(1), harm(19), hurt(5), ill(1), injure(2), misery(2), misfortune(6), misfortunes(1), pain(1), situation(1), sorrow (m)(1), {38} Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth?
Then there is the classic passage concerning the conversion of King Nebuchadnezzar. Having passed through a period of humiliation and education at the hand of God he spoke the following words. (Daniel 4:34-35 NASB) "But at the end of that period I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. {35} "And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand (No one can do anything about it.) Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?' This is the Christian God.
I want to end this introduction to God in Romans Eight Twenty Eight. (Romans 8:28 NASB) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Forget for a moment that you've ever seen this verse. Whisper a prayer for enlightenment.
Speaking of himself and his Brothers in Christ Paul says, "We Know." We have in our possession the following knowledge. "God causes all things to work together for the good of all those who love God." These are the saved who have been called to Christ. So, the verse is saying this, "God causes all things to work together for the good of the saved." What does this imply? What does it declare? It implies and declares the Absolute Sovereignty of God. This verse of scripture says that, "God has caused and does govern all things in Heaven and Earth with the good of His elect children in mind." It says that there is nothing out of control. There is nothing that has come or shall come into our lives that ought not to be there." This great statement eliminates all that resembles luck, chance, or accident. Our God does as He pleases among the hosts of Heaven and the inhabitants of the Earth and He does it on behalf of Christians!
When you KNOW this truth you can take possession of the peace of God promised in Philippians chapter four. When THIS Lord and God is near, with and in you it makes a difference. THIS God has good planed for you and He is CAUSING it to come to pass. When you KNOW what Paul knew and reveals in Romans Eight Twenty Eight you will see God in every trial and storm of life. You will see Him standing on the highest wave commanding it to rise higher and higher, the wind to blow harder and harder till His purpose is accomplished in your life. Then He will command the wind and waves to subside and they will. When you KNOW what the Apostle knew you will say, "God has ordained that cancer ravage my body. Whether He heals me or takes my life by means of this disease, He has done this for my good and I am thankful." When Paul's God is the God who is near you at all times, in all situations you can rejoice and be glad for everything is OK, its all just fine.
When you do become anxious, as we all do at times, you will gladly make use of the means of grace called prayer. You will run eagerly to the throne of grace for help in time of need. There, before the Sovereign One, you will bow to beg His grace and strength. There you will confess your sin, the distrust of His will for you today. There you will find forgiveness, mercy, grace and strength. When you have come to your senses you will be thankful for EVERYTHING. When anxiety has fled you will have the great treasure. That treasure is the peace of God that unbelievers and uninformed Christians cannot understand. "Does Theology Matter?" You tell me.
The maintenance of this peace requires some discipline of ones thoughts and activities. Here is the Holy Meditation referred to in the title.
{8} Finally, brethren, whatever is true, (God's word is true.) whatever is honorable, (That which compliments a Christian's profession.) whatever is right, (Righteous or innocent) whatever is pure, (Free from sin) whatever is lovely, (Pleasing and agreeable.) whatever is of good repute, (Well spoken of.) if there is any excellence (Moral goodness.) and if anything worthy of praise, (Like all the things just cited.) let your mind dwell on these things. {9} The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.
Paul is saying mimic my Theology, thinking practices and behavior. Make certain that your time and thoughts are taken up with things that will do you good and not harm. Dwell on these things. Practice these things. Let them be the focus of your lives and you will continue to enjoy the God that is near and the peace He bestows.
"Theology, Prayer and Holy Meditation is God's cure for Anxiety!"