Meditation on Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.
This is probably the only scripture I have totally committed to memory and can recall at anytime. There is a print out of these verses pinned to my work cubicle wall like some sort of talisman to ward off anxiety. But do I really do what I am instructed by this scripture? Oh no. I think by regurgitating these words that my anxiety about everything will magically go way. I have forgotten the power in these words. I may have presented my request to God about some things (notice the scripture says in everything)..
This is actually how I got to where I am today by not giving everything over to God. The peace of God could not fully guard my heart and mind in Christ. I had stopped taking everything to God. I neglected the study of His Word. And I got busy with the busyness of life and work. While I thought I was letting Christ stand guard at the front door, I unwittingly let in the enemy through the back door.
I thought I’m good, “It’s just a tiny little door, just a crack really.” All the while, thinking that nothing bad could come in that way. But the enemy snuck in and wandered around eventually settling into a comfy chair. While the enemy was visiting, he decided to do a little redecorating making all of the colors dark and muddy. He threw worthless junk around and generally made a mess. Everything became overwhelming and confusing.
Just now after months and months of this unwelcome house guest, I realized what is really going on. As I was at work this morning, I came to a particular confusing part of a project. I went to prayer asking for clarity of mind. Then the vision of Christ standing guard at the pretty, well kept front door of my heart and mind came to me. But go around back, and it’s weedy with a broken patio umbrella and various tattered dog toys on the ground. The patio door locks, but anyone could get in without much effort. That’s how the enemy got to me. It’s was through the neglected parts of my heart and mind.
Now, it’s time to show the enemy the door. I have pushed him out the front door so Christ can scare him off. Time to invite Christ around back to help me clean up the mess and to make my backdoor secure.
