A Thought For The Week Of January 19, 2015

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)  As Christians, we should want to be effective witnesses for the difference faith makes in a person's life. If that's so, then perhaps we find the key to how to do that contained in this one verse: "do not be anxious about anything." Let's face it - we can talk about our faith all we want, and we can be as joyful as a person can be, but when we have nothing particular to be anxious about all that talk and joy mean little. When our faith makes a difference - to both ourselves and others - is when times are troubled, and we're not sure exactly what's going to happen, and by normal standards we'd have every right to be anxious. But if, in those circumstances, we can continue to be faithful, trusting completely in God, then we show that faith does make a difference. That, perhaps, gives others a reason to look to Christ and try to understand why he's so important to us, and why he might just be equally important to them. But when a Christian becomes consumed with anxiety or worry or fear over what the future holds, then what incentive do we give anyone to believe that faith is a meaningful thing? This verse even gives us practical advice about how to avoid anxiety! Give over all our concerns and needs to God - and be thankful to God even before those concerns are sorted out or those needs are met. In other words, whatever might be upon us at any given time, let's recognize what God has already done for us - and for others - and let's allow that knowledge to take away our anxieties and fears and allow us to live at peace no matter what's going on in our lives. That's a more effective witness than any "Bible-thumping" can ever be!