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PraiseNation |
From Worry To Peace
I love this passage in the King James Version because it contains the Old English use of the word careful. It would appear that the verse is telling us not to be cautious about anything. But, knowing our GOD, we are sure that is not what is intended. Instead, the old use of the word careful means full of care, or worried and fretful. Later translations say, "Don't be anxious or worried about anything . . " Are you a worrier? Most people are to some extent. Some small amount of anxiety may be useful from time to time. But if you find yourself drowning in worry most of the time, then the next three days' teachings are for you! See the contrast here: When we worry, we do not trust. I will give you a quick example of how a believer can (but should not ) worry: This weekend I found myself on the highway for a bit over 22 hours. Most of this was at a high rate of speed with lots of other cars on the road. I realized something, having much too much time to think . . . I must obviously trust the other drivers. I trust them with my life, and since part of my family was with me, I must trust the other drivers with their lives, also. Otherwise, I would not be on the road. Although I trust them enough to be there, I was a bit concerned about the fact that they may not be trustworthy. At any time, just one of the thousands of other drivers could prove to be undeserving of my confidence and do something that could be life-threatening. This knowledge produced a good deal of anxiety in me. This is how many of us live our lives in this world. We trust JESUS, enough to be here, but we have a great deal of anxiety anyway. Although my concern with the other human drivers was justified, any worry I have about JESUS guiding my life is definitely not justified! Easy to say . . . harder to do. On the next page we will learn a few simple steps given to us by the HOLY SPIRIT through the Apostle Paul that will completely rid us of worry. |
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