THE question may arise, Why will not God give us the things which He sees us to need without our making petition to Him and claiming His promises? Undoubtedly because we need previously to come into the proper attitude of heart to receive His favors and to be advantaged by them. Even as it is, we may be sure that we do not sufficiently appreciate the divine care bestowed upon us hitherto and now. Even in the attitude of prayer and thanksgiving we probably do not discern one-half of our causes for gratitude, as we shall see them by and by, when we shall know even as we are known. -- Charles Taze Russell, Excerpt from "Rejoice in the Lord Alway", The Watch Tower, January 1, 1903, page 5 (quote is from page 8, Reprints page 3128).
<><><><><><>
If our hearts are overly-anxious about life's affairs we are surely being robbed of rest and peace, which, in turn, would indicate a lack of faith. In everything, in affairs in the home, in business cares, in guidance of wayward children, in poverty, in all trials, cares, temptations, wants, woes, disappointments, calamities, failures, etc., we should always cast our burden on Jehovah through prayer, and we are assured that He will sustain us. (Psalm 55:22) At the same time, we should constantly be thankful for whatever His providences may allow. The thankful heart of the child of God recognizes that He who favored us and redeemed us through His Son will even more so favor us and do for us now that we are His.
We doubt that any of God's people will claim that their lives are 100% without anxiety. Nevertheless, when we get any kind of anxious feeling, we should immediately take the matter to the Heavenly Father in prayer, and leave it with him. Doing so will alleviate the anxiety that might otherwise cripple our faith and servitude of our Father through Jesus. Additionally, we should always keep in mind what Paul stated: "Rejoice in Jehovah always! Again I will say, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, RLIV) While it may be difficult to have rejoicing in our hearts while undergoing unpleasant circumstances, such rejoicing will help alleviate anxiety and make all distressing experiences more bearable.
Sadly, many in the world make requests to stars, cakes, Santa Claus, and many other things. Paul tells us that we should make our requests, our petitions, known to God, our Heavenly Father. In whatever we ask of the Father, however, it should not be for the satisfaction of the desires of our sinful flesh. James tells us, "You ask, and don't receive, because you ask amiss, so that you may spend it for your pleasures." (James 4:3, World English) Prayers for fleshly desires may actually increase anxiety rather than alleviate anxiety. Our prayers should always be in harmony with what Jesus said to his Father: "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." (Luke 22:42, World English) Again, this should be from the heart, not just an outward expression, otherwise, our hearts may become subject to anxiety.
Paul also mentions thanksgiving. Heartfelt thanksgiving shows appreciation for the Heavenly Father's provisions, not just for any fleshy sustenance, but more importantly, for all help along spiritual lines. Such thankfulness, however, should be not simply a matter of words recited by the mouth, but it should come from the inner being of the child of God.
-- Ronald R. Day, Sr. (ResLight)
Related:
No comments:
Post a Comment