Excerpts from Max Lucado's book Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World
"And how many disasters have been averted because one person refused to buckle under the strain? It is this composure Paul is summoning in the first of a triad of proclamations. 'Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything' (Phil. 4:5-6 NIV).
The Greek word translated here as gentleness (epieikes) describes a temperament that is seasoned and mature. It envisions an attitude that is fitting to the occasion, levelheaded and tempered. The gentle reaction is one of steadiness, evenhandedness, fairness. It 'looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case.' Its opposite would be an overreaction or a sense of panic."
"... the gentle person is sober-minded and clear thinking. Contagiously calm.
The contagiously calm person is the one who reminds others, 'God is in control." p. 69
"be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Phi. 4:6).
With this verse the apostle calls us to take action against anxiety. Until this point he has been assuring us of God's character: his sovereignty, mercy, and presence. Now it is our turn to act on this belief. We choose prayer over despair. Peace happens when people pray." p. 82
"Look at your blessings. Do you see any friends? Family? Do you see any grace from God? The love of God? Do you see any gifts? Abilities or talents? Skills?
As you look at your blessings, take note of what happens. Anxiety grabs his bags and slips out the back door. Worry refuses to share the heart with gratitude. One heartfelt thank-you will suck the oxygen out of worry's world. So say it often. Focus more on what you do have and less on what you don't." p. 95
"You needn't be a fisherman to experience a perfect storm. All you need is a layoff plus a recession. A disease plus a job transfer. A relationship breakup plus a college rejection. We can handle one challenge... but two or three at a time? One wave after another, gale forces followed by thunderstorms? It's enough to make you wonder, Will I survive?
Paul's answer to that question is profound and concise. 'The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus' (Phil. 4:7).
As we do our part (rejoice in the Lord, pursue a gentle spirit, pray about everything, cling to gratitude), God does his part. He bestows upon us the peace of God. Note, this is not a peace from God. Our Father gives us the very peace of God. He downloads the tranquility of the throne room into our world, resulting in an inexplicable calm. We should be worried, but we aren't. We should be upset, but we are comforted. The peace of God transcends all logic, scheming, and efforts to explain it." p. 103
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything"
"The phrase 'fruitless and fret filled' describes too many of us. We don't want it to. We long to follow Paul's admonition: 'Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Phil. 4:8 NLT). p. 132
"Gratitude keeps us focused on the present." p. 148
"The mind cannot at the same time be full of God and full of fear." p. 161
"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col. 1:17 NIV).
"A specific prayer is 'a serious prayer' and an opportunity for us to see God at work," and it 'creates a lighter load.'
Consider your anxieties. Do you bring them, specifically, to God in prayer?
If yes, how? If no, how might you do this?
Prayer takes discipline and dedication. It takes effort to make the time, and it takes belief to be consistent. If we don't believe that God is hearing us or that he cares, our determination to pray will quickly fade.
'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you' (I Peter 5:6-7).
Notice, this verse does not ask you to forget or set side your anxieties. It acknowledges that your anxieties are real. Instead of pushing them aside, you are putting them literally on God. He tells you to transfer the burden from yourself to him.
Determine a time each day when you will choose to list your anxieties (like giving yourself time to worry). Physically fold up the list and place it somewhere (in a basket, drawer, etc.). When you start to feel anxious, remember that you have placed your burdens on God for the day.
Hold God to his word, and ask him to do that which he has already said he would do in your life." p. 179
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light" Matthew 11:28-30 NLT p. 180
Is the source of your anxiety true?
Has it become a reality, or is it something that might happen?
If it hasn't happened, don't dwell on it!
On the other hand, if the source of your anxiety is a reality, make a list of other truths that are good. These things are just as true as the mountain you face. p. 189
In everything God works for the good of those who love him. - Romans 8:28 NCV
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! - Isaiah 26:3 TLB p. 204
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