The Peace of God Transcends All Understanding
Dear MBC Church Family,
Even during normal times, many of us regularly experience anxious moments in our lives. But, coping with stress and anxiety may be especially challenging as we now face uncertainty on multiple fronts, the major ones being the upcoming returns on election night and the ongoing pandemic. Some individuals will try to escape at least the former by taking a camping trip far off the grid and away from any contact with the world; others by watching movies all night; still others going to bed early and sleeping through the results. Interestingly enough, God’s word offers us proven coping techniques to help us manage stress and anxiety, regardless of the cause.
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 your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).
Verse 6 encourages us to not be anxious about anything; but that may be easier said than done. However, the writer backs up his word by outlining steps to take to become worry free. As the world suggests taking up meditation as a stress reliever, Philippians recommends practicing a specific form of meditation—directly praying to God to let Him know what’s troubling you—remembering in the process to give thanks to Him for what He’s already done. Better yet, when wrestling with a round of anxiety, be bold enough to rejoice in the Lord, singing praises to Him. This will help calm the spirit and fill us up with a peace that will keep our thoughts in check. This promise of living worry free is backed up by the truth the writer states in verse 5, “The Lord is near.” So the things to remember when we contend with our anxious thoughts are to rejoice, pray and give thanks, all while knowing that the Lord is near.
Let’s continue to invite our family and friends to join us remotely for service by Skype: https://join.skype.com/P8TRBZjej8aU or by conference call: (339) 209-5068.
Sunday morning Worship Service (11:30am)
Monday through Saturday Noontime Prayer (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Anyone who chooses to make a contribution to the church may use the link on the church’s website, www.MeadowsBaptistChurch.org, to process a credit/debit card donation. Contributions may also be mailed to the church at PO Box 488, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773 or dropped off at the church office.
Feel free to stop by the church for special prayer during the noontime hour, or stop by anytime to meditate and pray outside the church in the Prayer Garden.
God bless and keep you and your family.
Dennis V. Jefferson, Pastor
Meadows Baptist Church
