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If anyone had reason for anxiety, it was the apostle Paul. He experienced multiple life threatening situations. “Far greater labors, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, often near death, five times 40 lashes less one, 3 times beaten with rods, once almost stoned to death by an angry mob, 3 times shipwrecked; adrift at sea; in danger from rivers, robbers, false brothers, toil, hardship, sleepless nights, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Yet, he writes “Do not be anxious about anything BUT IN EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) He learned through all those situations to bring it to God who sustained Him.

I love how Paul was honest about his own spiritual growth. Later he says, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) All these trials taught him about the reliability of the Lord in every situation.

We continue to learn and adapt to our situation. Today during our live stream service, we had to record our songs in advance - yesterday. The Alberta Government has come out with new regulations for gatherings. We now can no longer sing even at religious gatherings. Though challenging, we have again pivoted to make this adjustment. And we will learn contentment and relying on God’s peace as we go.

So I am led today to encourage us to not be so hard on ourselves when we don’t know everything or understand it all. Life is a journey of learning. Paul teaches us its possible to replace our anxiety with God’s peace. It’s possible to learn contentment in any situation. Let us keep learning together.

For those of you who watched today’s message, click here for the link to the anxiety article I referred to.

“Thank you God for your patience with us as we learn to trust you and find contentment whatever the circumstance. Because of you, we can even experience your peace. Help us take on our anxiety in dependence on you.”

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