The Joy In God's Sovereignty
Pastor Kent Munsey
October 28, 2017
Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)
Rejoice in the Lord Always. Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be Anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
In his letter to the church in Philippi, Apostle Paul encourages the church to “be anxious for nothing.” Anxiety is not the same thing as fear: Fear sees a threat; Anxiety imagines a threat. Anxiety is a meteor shower of What If’s. Anxiety is not so much a storm, as it is a certainty that a storm is coming. The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but a prison of anxiety is optional.
Instead of worrying, we are instructed to worship. Rejoicing in the Lord is a decision based in a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control and that He is good. Anxiety is often the consequence of perceived chaos. Anxiety increases as perceived control diminishes.
Paul is saying rather than seeking total control, to relinquish it. Rather than rehearse the chaos of the world’s problems, rejoice in the sovereignty of the Lord. Your anxiety decreases as your understanding of your heavenly father increases.
Stabilize your soul with the sovereignty of God. He reigns supreme over the universe.
Genesis 50:20-21
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph had been betrayed, beaten and abandoned, but he chose to view his sufferings through the lens of God’s divine providence.
Anxiety is robbing you of an accurate view of your Father. As you begin to understand who your Heavenly Father is, you will find that anxiety will leave your life.
Action Item: Next time you fear the future, rejoice in the Lord’s sovereignty. Choose to worship instead of worry. Fill your mind with thoughts of God.
Additional Verses:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19
My God shall supply all of my needs through his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.
Jeremiah 17:8 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.