Full Transcript for Philippians 4:4-7

accompanied by gladness and delight. 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:21.420 It is a joyful disposition, 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:25.020 but it is deeper than surface-level happiness. 00:04:25.699 --> 00:04:29.640 It is a sense of continual rest and peace, 00:04:30.080 --> 00:04:33.400 knowing that all things are working out for God's glory 00:04:33.400 --> 00:04:34.660 and are good. 00:04:35.340 --> 00:04:38.700 It does not sway with momentary thrills 00:04:38.700 --> 00:04:40.700 like the word happiness might describe. 00:04:41.759 --> 00:04:42.500 For instance, 00:04:43.060 --> 00:04:44.259 it makes me happy 00:04:44.259 --> 00:04:46.920 when I hook up on a trout out in the river, 00:04:46.920 --> 00:04:48.759 but afterwards, 00:04:48.860 --> 00:04:49.840 as we spend the rest of the day 00:04:49.840 --> 00:04:51.020 getting hung up on trees, 00:04:51.699 --> 00:04:52.660 the excitement fades. 00:04:53.900 --> 00:04:54.939 And so it is a very temporary, 00:04:55.080 --> 00:04:56.240 very shifting momentary. 00:04:57.040 --> 00:04:58.740 So rejoicing is more constant 00:04:58.740 --> 00:04:59.780 and foundational 00:04:59.780 --> 00:05:02.460 than just that blip of happiness. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:04.840 It can be achieved even amidst hardship 00:05:04.840 --> 00:05:06.580 and even in sadness. 00:05:07.259 --> 00:05:09.020 Back in chapter 2, verse 17, 00:05:09.960 --> 00:05:10.900 Paul says that 00:05:10.900 --> 00:05:12.780 even if he is being poured out 00:05:12.780 --> 00:05:15.259 as a drink offering upon the sacrifice, 00:05:15.259 --> 00:05:16.560 he rejoices. 00:05:17.740 --> 00:05:19.279 Being physically, emotionally, 00:05:19.719 --> 00:05:21.019 and relationally spent, 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:23.939 he still finds joy in the Lord. 00:05:24.659 --> 00:05:26.159 He may not like his suffering, 00:05:26.599 --> 00:05:27.879 it might not make him happy, 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:30.259 but he does rejoice in his suffering. 00:05:31.279 --> 00:05:33.199 He is also writing this letter while imprisoned, 00:05:33.719 --> 00:05:35.420 and yet this whole letter is just saturated 00:05:35.420 --> 00:05:37.420 with joy and rejoicing. 00:05:38.399 --> 00:05:39.500 And this is all because 00:05:39.500 --> 00:05:41.019 true rejoicing, 00:05:41.099 --> 00:05:43.000 the kind that Paul exemplifies, 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:46.000 is rejoicing in the Lord. 00:05:46.740 --> 00:05:48.500 Our text does not tell us 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:51.300 to rejoice in creature comforts, 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:52.540 in financial stability, 00:05:53.040 --> 00:05:54.100 in obedient children, 00:05:54.420 --> 00:05:55.120 or marriage, 00:05:55.220 --> 00:05:55.899 or singleness, 00:05:56.459 --> 00:05:57.160 fill in the blank. 00:05:58.199 --> 00:06:01.379 It says rejoice in the Lord. 00:06:02.100 --> 00:06:04.240 The title of Lord, 00:06:04.439 --> 00:06:05.139 I think, 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:06.379 is really significant here. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:07.939 In chapter 2, 00:06:07.980 --> 00:06:08.899 back in chapter 2 again, 00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:09.480 Paul says 00:06:09.480 --> 00:06:28.600 This title, 00:06:29.600 --> 00:06:29.920 Lord, 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:30.860 it can be used for 00:06:30.860 --> 00:06:32.100 master, 00:06:32.379 --> 00:06:33.000 or owner, 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:33.720 king, 00:06:33.900 --> 00:06:35.660 and obviously as a name for God. 00:06:35.660 --> 00:06:37.680 But with all of that in mind, 00:06:37.760 --> 00:06:39.360 recognizing God as Lord, 00:06:39.460 --> 00:06:41.380 it gives us a little more specificity 00:06:41.380 --> 00:06:42.860 on what about God 00:06:42.860 --> 00:06:44.800 causes our rejoicing. 00:06:45.360 --> 00:06:46.060 Christ as Lord 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.860 is presented as the sovereign one. 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:49.860 He is the final authority 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:50.620 and master 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:52.020 over all things. 00:06:52.640 --> 00:06:54.600 He not only created the universe, 00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:56.660 but he upholds the universe 00:06:56.660 --> 00:06:57.960 by the word of his power. 00:06:58.740 --> 00:06:59.680 He is in a position 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:00.900 of ruling 00:07:00.900 --> 00:07:01.960 and reigning 00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:02.920 over his creation 00:07:02.920 --> 00:07:04.440 like a king does. 00:07:04.439 --> 00:07:05.800 God is a king 00:07:05.800 --> 00:07:07.420 that has complete control 00:07:07.420 --> 00:07:08.259 over everything 00:07:08.259 --> 00:07:09.399 that conspires. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:10.899 It's all subject 00:07:10.899 --> 00:07:12.540 to God's counsel 00:07:12.540 --> 00:07:13.639 and wisdom. 00:07:14.839 --> 00:07:15.600 Being sovereign, 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:17.180 he has already written history 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:18.660 from beginning to end, 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:19.879 and he decides 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:20.920 what is allowed to occur 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:22.220 and what is not. 00:07:23.079 --> 00:07:24.159 And praise God 00:07:24.159 --> 00:07:24.879 that he, 00:07:25.159 --> 00:07:26.120 the sovereign one, 00:07:26.180 --> 00:07:27.920 that he is good. 00:07:28.959 --> 00:07:29.959 This would not be 00:07:29.959 --> 00:07:31.240 a means of rejoicing 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:32.019 if he was evil. 00:07:32.019 --> 00:07:34.039 God cannot be tempted 00:07:34.039 --> 00:07:34.479 with evil 00:07:34.479 --> 00:07:35.139 and he himself 00:07:35.139 --> 00:07:36.000 tempts no one. 00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:38.479 We rejoice in the Lord 00:07:38.479 --> 00:07:39.240 because our God 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:40.519 is a good Lord. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:42.579 He rules with justice 00:07:42.579 --> 00:07:43.459 and mercy. 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:44.859 He always does 00:07:44.859 --> 00:07:45.519 what is right. 00:07:46.139 --> 00:07:48.359 He is morally pure 00:07:48.359 --> 00:07:50.759

through and through. 00:07:51.359 --> 00:07:53.120 And that is who's sitting 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:54.240 on the throne. 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.259 Just this fact alone 00:07:57.259 --> 00:07:59.379 that a holy and good God 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:00.079 is Lord 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:01.459 is a means 00:08:01.459 --> 00:08:03.040 for rejoicing always. 00:08:03.899 --> 00:08:05.360 That's part of who he is 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:06.879 which would cause us 00:08:06.879 --> 00:08:07.439 to rejoice. 00:08:08.040 --> 00:08:08.600 But there's also 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:09.159 what the Lord 00:08:09.159 --> 00:08:09.959 has done 00:08:09.959 --> 00:08:11.600 and is doing 00:08:11.600 --> 00:08:13.240 that gives us 00:08:13.240 --> 00:08:14.319 reasons to rejoice. 00:08:15.480 --> 00:08:16.439 One of the things 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:17.319 he has done 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:18.719 is canceled 00:08:18.719 --> 00:08:19.860 our record of debt 00:08:19.860 --> 00:08:20.839 that stood against us 00:08:20.839 --> 00:08:22.779 with its legal demands. 00:08:24.019 --> 00:08:25.240 God, our Lord, 00:08:25.339 --> 00:08:26.579 is completely sufficient 00:08:26.579 --> 00:08:28.339 in and of himself. 00:08:28.339 --> 00:08:29.259 He has no need 00:08:29.259 --> 00:08:31.479 for anything. 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:32.539 He has no obligation 00:08:32.539 --> 00:08:34.819 to appease anyone else. 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:36.959 But when his own creation 00:08:36.959 --> 00:08:38.779 pridefully rebelled 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:39.579 against him 00:08:39.579 --> 00:08:40.199 and acquired 00:08:40.199 --> 00:08:41.799 eternal debt, 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:43.980 he did not just sit back 00:08:43.980 --> 00:08:45.220 and let us figure it out. 00:08:46.519 --> 00:08:47.319 In chapter 2, 00:08:47.399 --> 00:08:47.759 we read, 00:08:48.199 --> 00:08:48.720 Let each of you 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:49.360 not look only 00:08:49.360 --> 00:08:50.279 to his own interests 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:51.159 but also to the interests 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:51.639 of others. 00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:52.779 Have this mind 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:53.339 among yourselves 00:08:53.339 --> 00:08:53.959 which is yours 00:08:53.959 --> 00:08:55.159 in Christ Jesus 00:08:55.159 --> 00:08:56.159 who though he was 00:08:56.159 --> 00:08:57.220 in the form of God 00:08:57.220 --> 00:08:58.540 did not count equality 00:08:58.540 --> 00:08:59.040 with God 00:08:59.040 --> 00:09:00.120 a thing to be grasped 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:01.580 but he emptied himself 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:03.100 by taking the form 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:03.680 of a servant 00:09:03.680 --> 00:09:04.980 being born in the likeness 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:05.360 of men 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:06.379 and being found 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:07.080 in human form. 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:08.180 He humbled himself 00:09:08.180 --> 00:09:10.379 by becoming obedient 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:12.600 to the point of death, 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:14.720 even death on a cross. 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:17.100 The king 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:19.920 took on a commoner's 00:09:19.920 --> 00:09:20.700 identity 00:09:20.700 --> 00:09:22.740 to serve his people. 00:09:23.720 --> 00:09:24.399 He did this 00:09:24.399 --> 00:09:25.360 to be the substitute 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:26.939 in our place. 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:28.620 Man deserved 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:29.959 eternal wrath 00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:31.860 but God sent Christ 00:09:31.860 --> 00:09:32.779 to bear the punishment 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:33.939 for us. 00:09:34.740 --> 00:09:36.500 With our eternal debt 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:36.980 forgiven, 00:09:37.579 --> 00:09:39.299 what should prevent us 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:40.659 from rejoicing? 00:09:42.439 --> 00:09:42.740 Yeah. 00:09:42.899 --> 00:09:44.600 If we don't find ourselves 00:09:44.600 --> 00:09:46.840 regularly rejoicing 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:47.759 in this reality, 00:09:48.139 --> 00:09:49.379 it's probably because 00:09:49.379 --> 00:09:50.079 we don't understand 00:09:50.079 --> 00:09:50.860 how significant 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:52.759 the weight of sin is. 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:54.600 the doctrine 00:09:54.600 --> 00:09:55.500 of the depravity 00:09:55.500 --> 00:09:56.100 of man rightfully 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:56.819 acknowledges that 00:09:56.819 --> 00:09:58.319 man is completely helpless 00:09:58.319 --> 00:10:00.039 of his own accord. 00:10:01.319 --> 00:10:02.179 Being depraved 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:03.000 of the lawbreakers 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:04.139 against an eternal 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:05.039 and holy God 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:06.019 means that the punishment 00:10:06.019 --> 00:10:08.179 is equally substantial 00:10:08.179 --> 00:10:09.460 and this is a really 00:10:09.460 --> 00:10:10.439 terrible punishment 00:10:10.439 --> 00:10:11.439 to pay. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:13.139 Eternal destruction 00:10:13.139 --> 00:10:14.500 is not to be taken lightly. 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:16.500 And when you recognize 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:17.600 how terrible 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:18.879 being forsaken 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:20.000 by God is, 00:10:20.340 --> 00:10:21.279 you will then realize 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:22.220 the benevolence 00:10:22.220 --> 00:10:23.500 and the value 00:10:23.500 --> 00:10:25.759 of Christ's sacrifice. 00:10:26.620 --> 00:10:28.079 Jesus paid it all. 00:10:29.199 --> 00:10:30.079 If you've been forgiven 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:30.720 of your sins, 00:10:30.819 --> 00:10:32.159 you have reason 00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:33.379 to rejoice always 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.100 because otherwise 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:35.199 we deserve death 00:10:35.199 --> 00:10:35.839 and hell. 00:10:38.539 --> 00:10:39.620 Another blessing 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:40.639 he has given us 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:41.939 is

himself. 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:44.159 We not only get 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:44.919 our debt canceled, 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:47.100 we also get Christ. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:51.279 He is our joy. 00:10:52.440 --> 00:10:53.540 Remember the parable 00:10:53.540 --> 00:10:54.899 of the hidden treasure. 00:10:55.019 --> 00:10:55.920 The kingdom of God 00:10:55.920 --> 00:10:57.519 is like treasure hidden 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:58.080 in a field 00:10:58.080 --> 00:10:59.019 which a man found 00:10:59.019 --> 00:10:59.759 and covered up. 00:11:00.340 --> 00:11:01.379 Then in his joy 00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:02.639 he goes and sells 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:03.620 all that he has 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:04.720 and buys that field. 00:11:05.540 --> 00:11:06.759 The man is not worried 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:07.279 about losing 00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:08.259 all his possessions 00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:09.659 because he knows 00:11:09.659 --> 00:11:10.440 that he has 00:11:10.440 --> 00:11:11.700 something greater. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:13.560 We don't have to cling 00:11:13.560 --> 00:11:15.639 to our earthly possessions 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:17.519 to protect our joy 00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.779 because we too 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:20.720 have something greater. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:22.319 These earthly possessions 00:11:22.319 --> 00:11:23.340 are not the source 00:11:23.340 --> 00:11:24.759 of our joy. 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:26.919 And our heart's treasure 00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:27.659 is not just 00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:29.279 the secondary benefits 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:29.860 that the Lord 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:30.720 provides us 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:32.159 but it is predominantly 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:33.819 Christ himself. 00:11:34.580 --> 00:11:37.059 He is the grand treasure. 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.179 Living and abiding 00:11:39.179 --> 00:11:39.659 in Christ 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.720 should be our heart's 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:41.480 deepest joy 00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:42.819 and treasure. 00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:44.379 This is a spiritual reality 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:45.179 for us. 00:11:45.580 --> 00:11:47.519 We have the greatest friend. 00:11:47.720 --> 00:11:49.679 We have the best shepherd, 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:51.679 the most loyal brother, 00:11:52.179 --> 00:11:53.279 the wisest father, 00:11:53.439 --> 00:11:54.240 the great paraclete, 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:54.899 the comforter. 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:57.419 He is our supreme joy 00:11:57.419 --> 00:11:59.419 and he is ours. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:03.240 I'm sure you've heard 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.259 this question asked before 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:07.240 but if Jesus were not in heaven 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.740 would you still want to go? 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:11.620 If you got to have 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.879 all the grandeur of heaven, 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:14.399 the streets of gold, 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:15.240 the pearly gates, 00:12:15.939 --> 00:12:16.799 the tree of life 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:18.519 but if Jesus was not there 00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:20.340 would your yearning 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.320 be the same? 00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:24.679 You won't be able to 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:25.779 fulfill this command 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:26.740 to rejoice always 00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:27.419 if not. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:30.019 We rejoice in the Lord 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.939 because he 00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:32.899 is all satisfying himself 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:35.100 and he has given himself 00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:36.139 to us. 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:40.320 Our text commands us 00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:41.820 to do this always. 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:44.300 All the time. 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.660 Because God is not bound 00:12:46.660 --> 00:12:47.460 by space 00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:48.240 or time 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:48.780 or matter, 00:12:48.920 --> 00:12:50.680 the basis of our rejoicing 00:12:50.680 --> 00:12:52.500 is also not bound 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:53.580 by space 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:54.180 or time 00:12:54.180 --> 00:12:54.800 or matter 00:12:54.800 --> 00:12:55.200 either. 00:12:55.920 --> 00:12:57.140 This is why we can rejoice 00:12:57.140 --> 00:12:57.780 in the Lord 00:12:57.780 --> 00:12:58.879 always. 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:01.080 The spirit offers himself 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:01.600 to us 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.500 all the time 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.700 no matter where we are 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:04.860 or what's going on. 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:06.300 You cannot evade 00:13:06.300 --> 00:13:07.460 the presence of God. 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:08.260 Behold, 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:09.159 he is with us always 00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:10.139 to the end of the age. 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:11.620 The text does not say 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:12.700 rejoice always 00:13:12.700 --> 00:13:13.879 unless 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:16.220 unless your house 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:16.740 burns down, 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.159 unless you lose your job, 00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:19.080 unless your child 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:19.620 gets sick, 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:20.399 unless your friend 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:20.919 moves away. 00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:22.059 It doesn't say that. 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:23.659 All these things 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:24.779 are rightfully sad 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:26.200 and cause us grief 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:28.240 but it doesn't take away 00:13:28.240 --> 00:13:29.000 the eternal 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:30.200 and forever joy 00:13:30.200 --> 00:13:30.899 we have 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:32.360 in Christ Jesus 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.340 our Lord. 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:34.539 God promises 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:35.480 that when we pass 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:36.259 through the waters

00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:37.840 he will be 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:38.639 with us. 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:39.740 Paul is quick 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:40.259 to not leave 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.779 any room 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:42.039 for contingencies here. 00:13:42.460 --> 00:13:42.980 He immediately 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:43.639 doubles down 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.180 on his command. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.240 Again, 00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:46.379 I will say 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:47.139 rejoice. 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:49.480 If God is giving us 00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:49.920 this command 00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:51.080 to rejoice always 00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:52.340 then that means 00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:53.320 it is achievable 00:13:53.320 --> 00:13:54.519 and he will help us 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:55.259 to fulfill it. 00:13:56.120 --> 00:13:56.860 He is never 00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:57.860 changing 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:59.360 and so our rejoicing 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:01.080 always has a solid rock 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:01.639 to base 00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:02.279 our joy. 00:14:03.180 --> 00:14:03.860 If we are abiding 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.460 in this command 00:14:04.460 --> 00:14:05.680 it will be evident 00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:06.360 to others. 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:07.580 Verse 5 says 00:14:07.580 --> 00:14:08.440 that we should let 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:09.300 this reasonableness 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.639 or some translations 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:11.879 use gentleness 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:13.019 be known 00:14:13.019 --> 00:14:13.800 to everyone. 00:14:14.680 --> 00:14:15.240 We are to be 00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:16.040 pointing others 00:14:16.040 --> 00:14:16.700 to Christ 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:17.440 and we are to be 00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:18.320 so characterized 00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:20.340 by rejoicing 00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:21.300 all the time 00:14:21.300 --> 00:14:22.280 that it is plain 00:14:22.280 --> 00:14:22.960 to see 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:24.100 by others. 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:25.680 Not just to believers 00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:26.379 but to everyone. 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:27.519 And so when you're 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.620 daily clinging 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.460 to Christ 00:14:29.460 --> 00:14:30.300 and you're submitting 00:14:30.300 --> 00:14:31.100 to him 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:32.139 as Lord 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.180 there is a 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:34.579 regular joyful 00:14:34.579 --> 00:14:35.659 and gentle 00:14:35.659 --> 00:14:36.359 demeanor 00:14:36.359 --> 00:14:37.039 we have. 00:14:37.959 --> 00:14:38.759 We aren't 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:39.419 getting all 00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:39.979 ruffled up 00:14:39.979 --> 00:14:40.979 by the stressors 00:14:40.979 --> 00:14:41.639 in our day 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:42.759 and taking them 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:43.979 out on one another. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.479 We are glad 00:14:45.479 --> 00:14:46.379 in his mercies 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.199 which are new 00:14:47.199 --> 00:14:48.159 every morning 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:49.479 remembering who he is 00:14:49.479 --> 00:14:50.699 what he has done 00:14:50.699 --> 00:14:51.479 and what his promises 00:14:51.479 --> 00:14:51.959 are. 00:14:52.839 --> 00:14:53.399 It should be 00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:53.919 noticeable 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:54.959 that we aren't 00:14:54.959 --> 00:14:55.679 getting tossed 00:14:55.679 --> 00:14:56.639 to and fro 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:57.839 by the world 00:14:57.839 --> 00:14:58.639 but rather 00:14:58.639 --> 00:14:59.419 we are joyfully 00:14:59.419 --> 00:14:59.819 submitting 00:14:59.820 --> 00:15:00.940 to the Lord 00:15:00.940 --> 00:15:01.480 who gives us 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:02.260 all the spiritual 00:15:02.260 --> 00:15:02.660 blessings 00:15:02.660 --> 00:15:03.340 in the heavenly 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.200 places 00:15:04.200 --> 00:15:05.200 and namely 00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:06.260 himself. 00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:07.980 We won't be 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:09.220 perfect at this 00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:10.200 but we will be 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:10.700 characterized 00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:11.500 by it. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:13.200 If we grasp 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:14.240 the gravity 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:15.120 of our hope 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.120 in the things 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:16.600 above 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:18.180 not the things 00:15:18.180 --> 00:15:18.600 below 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.940 we won't be 00:15:19.940 --> 00:15:21.020 able to keep 00:15:21.020 --> 00:15:21.879 our reasonableness 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:22.840 on the inside. 00:15:23.060 --> 00:15:23.420 The spirit 00:15:23.420 --> 00:15:24.080 will do actual 00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:24.800 internal work 00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:25.400 that displays 00:15:25.400 --> 00:15:25.880 itself 00:15:25.880 --> 00:15:27.100 outwardly. 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:29.440 So implicit 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:29.980 to rejoice 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:30.379 in the Lord 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:30.840 always 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:31.920 is our second 00:15:31.920 --> 00:15:32.320 command. 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:33.800 Do not be 00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:34.139 anxious 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:34.779 about 00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:35.840 anything. 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:37.860 If we are 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.360 rejoicing 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:38.759 in the Lord 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.259 always 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:39.779 we will 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.320 in turn 00:15:40.320 --> 00:15:40.820 not be 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:41.139 anxious 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.740 for anything 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:43.040 but Paul 00:15:43.040 --> 00:15:43.440 goes on 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:43.860 to say it 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.320 out loud 00:15:44.320 -->

00:15:44.820 so that we 00:15:44.820 --> 00:15:45.259 can see 00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:45.879 more fully 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.720 the implications 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:48.040 of resting 00:15:48.040 --> 00:15:48.779 and trusting 00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:50.000 in the Lord. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.399 There may be 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:52.940 a more 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:53.779 robust 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:54.600 definition 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:56.120 of anxiety 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:56.840 but I think 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:57.240 here 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.659 it can 00:15:58.659 --> 00:15:59.000 mostly 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.580 be summed 00:15:59.580 --> 00:15:59.840 up 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:00.779 in being 00:16:00.779 --> 00:16:01.419 so 00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:02.419 overwhelmed 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:03.299 by the 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:03.779 unknown 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:05.000 that we 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:05.679 neglect 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.519 trusting 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:08.340 in God's 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.240 providential 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:09.980 sovereignty. 00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:11.860 When we 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:12.639 see this 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:13.200 word elsewhere 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:13.620 in the New 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:13.980 Testament 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:15.220 it is those 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:15.759 texts that 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.340 say do 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:16.940 not worry 00:16:16.940 --> 00:16:17.879 that word 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.379 worry right 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:18.639 there 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.060 do not 00:16:19.060 --> 00:16:19.519 worry about 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:19.919 what you 00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:20.700 will eat 00:16:20.700 --> 00:16:21.539 or drink 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:22.299 or what 00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:22.940 you will 00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:23.659 wear for 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.139 clothing 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:24.980 do not 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:25.639 worry about 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.319 tomorrow 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:27.240 it is 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:27.620 regularly 00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:28.120 referring 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.100 to the 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:29.799 unreasonable 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.699 fear 00:16:30.699 --> 00:16:31.580 and giving 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:32.139 too much 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:32.720 concern 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.699 to things 00:16:33.699 --> 00:16:34.580 outside of 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:35.139 our control 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:36.259 like the 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:36.559 future. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.019 What if 00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:38.360 they fall 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:38.659 down? 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:39.580 What if 00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:39.879 this is 00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:40.159 cancer? 00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:40.600 What if 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:40.879 Russia 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:41.439 attacks? 00:16:41.699 --> 00:16:42.240 What if 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.740 what if 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.580 what if 00:16:43.580 --> 00:16:45.299 the natural 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:45.759 disposition 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.500 of humans 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:47.319 is a desire 00:16:47.319 --> 00:16:48.159 to guarantee 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.240 favorable 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:49.980 outcomes. 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:50.379 Everything 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:50.919 needs to go 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:51.179 the way 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:51.600 we want 00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:52.179 it to go. 00:16:52.179 --> 00:16:53.139 the thought 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:53.779 of something 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.279 not going 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:55.719 well 00:16:55.719 --> 00:16:57.019 attacks our 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:57.539 hearts 00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:58.299 such that 00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:58.819 we find 00:16:58.819 --> 00:16:59.599 ourselves 00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:00.819 anxious. 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.620 This anxiety 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:03.319 lends itself 00:17:03.319 --> 00:17:04.659 to a lack 00:17:04.659 --> 00:17:05.240 of self 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.720 control. 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:07.259 We get 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:07.859 irrational, 00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.500 we get 00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:09.000 worked up, 00:17:09.259 --> 00:17:09.599 we make 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.240 spontaneous 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:11.639 overcorrections 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.759 and we start 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.220 placing our 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.359 hope in our 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:14.839 physical 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.619 circumstances 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:17.519 rather than 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.299 God. 00:17:19.399 --> 00:17:20.039 This anxiety 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:20.539 can put us 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:20.980 in a really 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:21.819 bad physical 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:23.180 and spiritual 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:23.759 place. 00:17:23.899 --> 00:17:24.279 Physically, 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:25.379 we can lose 00:17:25.379 --> 00:17:25.659 sleep, 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.599 we can 00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:27.279 undereat 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:28.299 or overeat 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:30.099 and our 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:30.759 hormones can 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.440 get out of 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:31.740 whack. 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:32.839 There's all 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:33.279 kinds of 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:34.019 physical effects 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:34.460 that come 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.319 from anxiety. 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:36.639 Spiritually, 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:37.259 we can get 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.159 so far into 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:38.799 our own 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.500 worries and 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:40.119 fears that

00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:40.859 there is no 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.599 relating to 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:42.720 God in 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.339 any way. 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:43.879 It is all 00:17:43.879 --> 00:17:44.759 earthly problems 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.720 with only 00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:46.619 earthly solutions. 00:17:47.879 --> 00:17:48.240 Modern 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:48.920 medicine will 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:49.559 just say you 00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:50.220 need meds. 00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:51.700 The news 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.299 tells us we 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:52.759 just need to 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.039 vote for 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:53.420 this person. 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:53.779 Get this 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:54.059 guy in 00:17:54.059 --> 00:17:54.519 office and 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:54.720 it will 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.240 be okay. 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.779 The guys 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.240 say you 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:57.579 just need 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:57.799 to go 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:58.180 golfing 00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:58.379 man. 00:17:59.460 --> 00:17:59.680 Your 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.099 co-workers 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:00.399 will say 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:00.700 you just 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.379 need work 00:18:01.379 --> 00:18:01.720 life 00:18:01.720 --> 00:18:02.339 balance. 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.059 The 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:04.420 worldly 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.279 counsel to 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:05.940 the spiritual 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:07.319 problem will 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:07.940 be worldly 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:09.019 solutions and 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:10.259 obviously those 00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:11.019 don't suffice. 00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:12.480 That is a 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.220 strain from 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:13.579 the Lord. 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.059 That is 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.920 letting the 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.240 things of 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:15.599 the earth 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:16.819 be our 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.180 Lord. 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:24.039 God has 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.320 made us 00:18:24.320 --> 00:18:24.620 in a way 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:24.880 that our 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.860 spiritual and 00:18:25.860 --> 00:18:26.200 our physical 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:26.640 beings are 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:27.120 not separate 00:18:27.120 --> 00:18:27.600 but they do 00:18:27.600 --> 00:18:28.560 go hand 00:18:28.560 --> 00:18:28.880 in hand. 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.400 Our text 00:18:29.400 --> 00:18:30.519 just told us 00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:30.799 that there 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:31.539 are outward 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:33.100 realities to 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:33.759 our inward 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.660 reasonableness. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:36.160 So they are 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:36.539 linked. 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.320 Spiritually 00:18:38.320 --> 00:18:39.500 fighting to 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:40.140 trust the Lord 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:41.539 can include 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.500 taking physical 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.000 measures. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:44.079 If your 00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:44.799 right hand 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:46.099 causes you 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:46.559 to sin 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.119 cut it 00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:47.380 off. 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.200 If staying 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:49.640 up late 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.039 and drinking 00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:50.640 ten cups of 00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:51.119 coffee every 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:51.619 day keeps 00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:52.019 you on 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.480 edge 00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:53.779 then go 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:54.059 to bed 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.480 on time. 00:18:55.599 --> 00:18:56.000 Turn from 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.759 trusting coffee 00:18:56.759 --> 00:18:57.500 and turn to 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:58.059 the Lord 00:18:58.059 --> 00:18:58.480 for your 00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:59.119 sustenance. 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.579 It may 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.019 even be 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:01.819 wise to 00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:02.079 take 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:02.619 medications 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:03.259 at times. 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:03.619 I would 00:19:03.619 --> 00:19:04.019 be very 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:04.640 slow and 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.099 prayerful 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:06.039 to do so 00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:06.380 but there 00:19:06.380 --> 00:19:06.980 is a 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:07.619 time and 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:08.119 a place. 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:09.980 Part of 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.559 your spiritual 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.920 fight can 00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:12.799 and should 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:13.680 include 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:15.000 caring for 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.460 yourself 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:16.639 but the 00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:17.000 fight is 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.879 never just 00:19:17.879 --> 00:19:18.480 a physical 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:18.839 one. 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:19.700 It always 00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:20.319 involves 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:20.879 spiritual 00:19:20.879 --> 00:19:21.399 matters. 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:22.460 Paul isn't 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.659 saying don't 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:24.200 have any 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:24.740 concern about 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.200 anything. 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.079 Complete 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:26.659 apathy is 00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:27.000 not the 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:27.240 answer. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.240 He is 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:29.159 saying don't 00:19:29.159 --> 00:19:29.799 have an 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.339 anxious

00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.119 concern 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:31.619 about 00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:32.079 anything. 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:32.639 Don't 00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:33.000 make your 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:33.440 physical 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.200 circumstances 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:35.359 your Lord. 00:19:36.099 --> 00:19:36.639 In this 00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:37.279 we are 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:37.779 committing the 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:38.700 sin of not 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:39.339 trusting God 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:39.899 but rather 00:19:39.899 --> 00:19:40.740 trusting 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:41.359 ourselves or 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:41.720 the things 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.019 of this 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:42.359 world. 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.180 Don't 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:43.799 place your 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:45.000 hope where 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:45.599 it can't 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.039 be 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.599 sustained. 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.879 And I 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:49.319 know this 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:49.579 is all 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.940 easier said 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.639 than done. 00:19:52.099 --> 00:19:52.599 I have 00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:52.980 failed in 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:53.899 finding anxiety 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.460 at times. 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.079 But church 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:56.460 we have 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.159 good reason 00:19:57.159 --> 00:19:57.680 to not be 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:58.119 anxious. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.639 What does 00:19:59.639 --> 00:20:00.019 the text 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:00.319 say? 00:20:00.899 --> 00:20:01.639 The Lord 00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:02.799 is at 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.440 hand. 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:06.079 Note that 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:06.480 Paul is 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:06.899 using this 00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:07.419 title of 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:08.119 Lord again. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.180 It is only 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:09.859 a means to 00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:10.399 rest our 00:20:10.399 --> 00:20:11.139 hearts because 00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:11.840 it is the 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:12.380 Lord who 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:12.840 is at 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:13.380 hand. 00:20:14.100 --> 00:20:14.780 Not a 00:20:14.780 --> 00:20:15.440 job promotion, 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.880 not medical 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.340 care, 00:20:17.820 --> 00:20:18.580 not retirement, 00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:19.940 not a 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:21.120 good night's 00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:21.360 sleep, 00:20:21.800 --> 00:20:22.759 but it is 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.259 the Lord. 00:20:24.340 --> 00:20:24.840 So this is 00:20:24.840 --> 00:20:25.340 not just a 00:20:25.340 --> 00:20:26.259 blind happiness 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.720 we throw 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:27.060 on. 00:20:27.560 --> 00:20:27.940 It is

00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:28.820 substantiated 00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:29.320 by the 00:20:29.320 --> 00:20:30.280 reality of 00:20:30.280 --> 00:20:30.820 who God 00:20:30.820 --> 00:20:31.160 is, 00:20:31.800 --> 00:20:32.220 what he 00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:32.780 has done, 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:33.920 and what 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.420 his promises 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:34.920 are. 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:35.880 The Lord 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:36.320 being at 00:20:36.320 --> 00:20:36.759 hand could 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.440 be a 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:37.840 timeliness 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:38.319 or 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.019 proximity. 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:40.740 I lean 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.179 more into 00:20:41.179 --> 00:20:41.359 the 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:41.839 proximity, 00:20:42.639 --> 00:20:43.519 but both 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.279 lend themselves 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.059 to not 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:45.720 being anxious. 00:20:46.439 --> 00:20:46.699 If the 00:20:46.699 --> 00:20:47.099 day of 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:47.579 the Lord 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:49.199 is coming 00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:49.799 soon, 00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:50.859 then we 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:51.779 can rejoice 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.740 always and 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.579 endure knowing 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.339 that our 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:55.199 Lord is 00:20:55.199 --> 00:20:55.519 coming. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.240 The present 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:56.899 sufferings are 00:20:56.899 --> 00:20:57.339 not worth 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.079 comparing to 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.539 the glory 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:58.859 that is 00:20:58.859 --> 00:20:59.679 revealed to 00:20:59.679 --> 00:21:00.480 us soon. 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:02.399 If the 00:21:02.399 --> 00:21:02.679 sovereign 00:21:02.679 --> 00:21:03.500 Lord is 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:03.980 near in 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.399 proximity, 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:05.699 then the 00:21:05.699 --> 00:21:06.179 comfort here 00:21:06.179 --> 00:21:06.559 is that he 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.179 sees, 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:08.100 he knows 00:21:08.100 --> 00:21:08.620 and he 00:21:08.620 --> 00:21:09.039 goes with 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.400 us. 00:21:10.060 --> 00:21:10.600 Both of 00:21:10.600 --> 00:21:11.100 these are 00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:11.779 true and 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.259 both give 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:12.539 us a 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.259 foundation to 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:14.519 rest our 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.380 anxious hearts. 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:16.660 But again, 00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:17.340 it is only good 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.019 news because 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:19.340 of who is 00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:19.860 at hand. 00:21:21.180 --> 00:21:21.759 The Lord 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.440 being sovereign 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:22.920 means that 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:23.480 everything we 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.100 might fear 00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.779 will happen, 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:25.779 he knows 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:26.440 it already. 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:28.380 God being 00:21:28.380 --> 00:21:29.279 a good and 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:30.160 holy Lord 00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:31.039 means that 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:31.759 whatever the 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.680 outcome is, 00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:33.960 we can rest 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:34.680 knowing that 00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:35.039 it is for 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:35.640 our good and 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:36.360 for his 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:36.960 glory. 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:38.220 It may 00:21:38.220 --> 00:21:38.560 not be 00:21:38.560 --> 00:21:38.820 fun, 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.380 it may 00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:40.680 hurt, 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.000 but it 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.480 is ultimately 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:42.779 how the 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.060 Lord is 00:21:43.060 --> 00:21:43.480 using our 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:44.160 circumstances 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:45.100 to draw 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:45.660 us deeper 00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:45.960 into 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:46.400 fellowship 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.640 with him. 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.299 Back in 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:49.920 chapter 1, 00:21:50.380 --> 00:21:50.820 Paul is 00:21:50.820 --> 00:21:51.380 sure that 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:51.680 he who 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.039 began a 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.340 good work 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:52.660 in you 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:53.320 will bring 00:21:53.320 --> 00:21:53.600 it to 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.060 completion. 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:54.940 So if 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:55.340 these things 00:21:55.340 --> 00:21:55.640 are under 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:56.000 God's 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.460 rule and 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:56.980 authority, 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:58.299 trust him. 00:21:59.580 --> 00:22:00.259 God saying 00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:00.580 he'll be 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.000 with us 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.460 through fire 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:01.920 and flood 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:03.060 is sufficient 00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:03.740 enough for 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.400 us to trust 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:04.640 him, 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.300 but he 00:22:05.300 --> 00:22:05.780 has also 00:22:05.780 --> 00:22:06.880 proven his 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:07.500 reliability 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.480 time and 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.280 time again. 00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:10.160 The Lord 00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:10.580 has taken 00:22:10.580 --> 00:22:11.460 every situation 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.400 from Genesis 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:13.080 to Revelation 00:22:13.080 --> 00:22:13.720 and beyond 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.759 and used

it 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:15.200 for our good 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:15.700 and his glory. 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:17.380 We may not 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.980 always understand 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.600 how, 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.060 but there is a 00:22:21.060 --> 00:22:21.540 plethora of 00:22:21.540 --> 00:22:22.240 instances where 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.320 we clearly get 00:22:23.320 --> 00:22:24.240 to see how. 00:22:25.120 --> 00:22:26.080 We can recall 00:22:26.080 --> 00:22:27.220 so many Bible 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.020 stories where it 00:22:28.020 --> 00:22:28.759 seemed that God 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:29.460 was at a loss, 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.440 but he shows 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:30.940 how he was 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.600 using these 00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:32.259 situations 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:33.119 providentially. 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.559 The story of 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.119 Joseph sticks 00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:35.420 out. 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:36.619 When he 00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:37.140 confronts his 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:37.640 brothers who 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:37.940 sold him 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.799 into slavery, 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:40.319 he famously 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:41.039 declares what 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.680 you intended 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.339 for evil, 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:43.579 God intended 00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:44.099 for good. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.119 God used 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.720 the seemingly 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.940 hopeless situation 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:47.940 for Joseph 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.140 to then go 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:49.879 feed the 00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:50.339 Israelites 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.099 during a 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:51.420 famine, 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:52.759 and so he 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.519 was providentially 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:54.220 working here, 00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:55.140 and when that 00:22:55.140 --> 00:22:55.740 in turn led 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.299 to the Israelites 00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:57.379 captivity in 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:57.819 Egypt, 00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:58.960 God used 00:22:58.960 --> 00:22:59.640 the exodus 00:22:59.640 --> 00:23:00.379 then to 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:01.019 display his 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:01.740 power through 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.359 deliverance, 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.039 and to 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:03.539 reveal his 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:03.960 love and 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:04.579 compassion for 00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.079 his people. 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.420 When Jonah 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.019 got swallowed 00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:07.539 up by a 00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:08.039 big fish, 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:08.539 the reader 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.120 might think 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:09.839 this is the 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.039 end. 00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:10.480 The fish 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.079 get supper 00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:11.380 and the 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:11.779 Ninevites 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.259 don't get 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.740 their preacher. 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.319 But God 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:14.859 displays the 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:16.000 sovereignty by 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.519 having the 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:16.940 fish spit 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.380 them out in 00:23:17.380 --> 00:23:17.920 Nineveh to 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.980 accomplish God's 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.599 task. 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.519 God time and 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:21.980 time again 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.700 shows us that 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.299 he is working 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.779 in and through 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.960 all things. 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:27.759 Let's take 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.120 the worst 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:28.740 thing that could 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.259 ever happen 00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:29.680 in human 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.059 history. 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.119 glory. 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:32.119 Could God 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:32.700 use that for 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.259 his glory? 00:23:34.659 --> 00:23:35.119 Yes. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:37.000 Man put the 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:37.480 Lord Jesus 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.159 to death. 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:41.059 Being the 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.539 author of 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:41.940 life, the 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:42.839 grave had no 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:43.539 power over 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:43.859 him. 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:45.200 God very 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.559 clearly prophesied 00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:47.000 this and 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.579 promised that 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.019 it would result 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:48.539 in God's good 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:49.559 providence, and 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.279 it did. 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:51.940 Jesus saves 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.659 his bride for 00:23:52.659 --> 00:23:53.379 all eternity 00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:54.519 to the praise 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.720 of his name. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:56.700 Even in the 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.879 most vile and 00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.839 evil time of 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.459 human history, 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:00.779 God displays 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.500 his sovereign 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.879 providence over 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:03.220 evil. 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.199 There are so 00:24:05.199 --> 00:24:05.720 many instances 00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:06.339 where it seems 00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:07.339 like God is 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:07.779 losing the 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.740 battle, but in 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:09.419 turn it is a 00:24:09.419 -->

00:24:10.500 grander way to 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.039 reveal his 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:12.240 power and his 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:12.799 providence. 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:14.159 We can rest 00:24:14.159 --> 00:24:15.179 knowing that all 00:24:15.179 --> 00:24:15.639 the little 00:24:15.639 --> 00:24:16.779 details and 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.179 all the big 00:24:17.179 --> 00:24:18.199 details are 00:24:18.199 --> 00:24:19.079 being overseen 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:19.740 and used for 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.279 God's higher 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:20.779 purposes. 00:24:21.439 --> 00:24:21.939 Evil might 00:24:21.939 --> 00:24:22.779 seem to rule 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.199 the day at 00:24:23.199 --> 00:24:24.039 times from our 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.139 perspective, but 00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:25.799 God is doing 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:26.480 something grander 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.179 that we may not 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:27.860 be able to 00:24:27.860 --> 00:24:28.799 fully see. 00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:29.759 You and I 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.140 could probably 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:30.680 sit around the 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.700 fire and 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:32.640 recount all the 00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:33.460 ways God used 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.840 particular, peculiar 00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:35.759 situations in our 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.840 lives and did 00:24:36.840 --> 00:24:37.240 something with 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:37.680 them that we 00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:38.480 never thought 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:39.519 could happen. 00:24:40.600 --> 00:24:41.080 So God's 00:24:41.080 --> 00:24:41.940 track record 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:43.519 gives us good 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.860 reason to not 00:24:44.860 --> 00:24:45.660 be anxious. 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:46.620 Knowing that the 00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:47.380 Lord is on his 00:24:47.380 --> 00:24:48.380 throne means we 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:49.039 can rejoice. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:50.779 Let me never 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:52.039 forget, though the 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.960 wrong seems off so 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:54.580 strong, God is the 00:24:54.580 --> 00:24:55.080 ruler yet. 00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:55.680 This is my 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.759 father's world. 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:58.900 God has 00:24:58.900 --> 00:24:59.820 proven himself. 00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:01.539 So finally, what 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.000 does the Lord 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.340 promise us that 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:04.920 gives us rest when 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.519 tempted with 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.039 anxiety? 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.539 He's given us 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:09.840 many promises in 00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:10.620 his word, so let's 00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:11.100 look there. 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.299 Nearly everything 00:25:12.299 --> 00:25:14.060 we are tempted

to 00:25:14.060 --> 00:25:15.259 be anxious about, 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:17.140 God has provided 00:25:17.140 --> 00:25:18.480 some sort of 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.299 promise to his 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.420 children to 00:25:20.420 --> 00:25:21.100 sustain our 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:21.700 rejoicing. 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.519 For instance, the 00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:25.039 news may make it 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:26.779 seem like America 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.740 is coming to an 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:28.019 end. 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.359 I don't know if 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:29.720 you guys have 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.079 seen this. 00:25:30.139 --> 00:25:30.859 Strayal law is 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.740 taking over and 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:33.019 we will not have 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.559 the Constitution 00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.139 soon. 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.559 Our God reminds 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.319 us in Philippians 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.460 3.20 that our 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.339 true citizenship 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.359 is not here. 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:42.220 It is in heaven. 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.119 Do not be anxious 00:25:44.119 --> 00:25:44.819 about your earthly 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:45.339 citizenship. 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:46.740 The Constitution 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.940 does not keep us 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.639 in eternal 00:25:48.639 --> 00:25:49.759 security with God. 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.599 The climate 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:53.339 activists tell us 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:54.160 that our world is 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:54.980 going to perish in 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.019 2050 if we don't 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.880 stop driving gas 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.360 vehicles. 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.700 God has promised 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.940 in 2 Peter 3 that 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:01.680 he will actually 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.460 come and destroy 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:03.339 the earth. 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.019 There are going 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.700 to be a people 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:06.360 here and earth 00:26:06.360 --> 00:26:07.000 present for him 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.620 to destroy. 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.559 Do not be anxious 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.579 about the vitality 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.039 of our earth. 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:11.700 God has promised 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:12.380 it will be here 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.200 until he comes. 00:26:14.360 --> 00:26:15.200 We aren't sure 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:15.920 if our company is 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.400 going to keep 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.079 being profitable 00:26:17.079 --> 00:26:18.279 or that millennials 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:18.759 aren't going to 00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:19.779 have social security. 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:22.220 In Matthew 6, 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:22.920 God has promised 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.819 that he cares for 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.779 your physical provisions 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:26.519 and he will provide 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.759 as he sees fit. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:30.079 He is our security, 00:26:30.599 --> 00:26:32.099 not American tax 00:26:32.099 --> 00:26:32.759 infrastructure 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:34.579 or the economy. 00:26:35.679 --> 00:26:36.519 Do not be anxious 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.359 about what you will 00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.279 eat or drink. 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.659 We get a rash 00:26:40.659 --> 00:26:41.879 and WebMD says 00:26:41.879 --> 00:26:42.559 we have cancer. 00:26:43.399 --> 00:26:44.799 God says in Luke 12, 00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:46.639 the hairs on your head 00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:47.379 are numbered. 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:49.200 He knows if you 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.359 have rash or cancer. 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:52.079 Whichever the case, 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:53.259 he will go with you. 00:26:53.259 --> 00:26:54.359 Which one of you 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:55.180 by worrying 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:56.759 can add a single hour 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.640 to his life? 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.619 Do not be anxious 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.519 about your health. 00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:03.379 This does not mean 00:27:03.379 --> 00:27:04.220 we should be careless. 00:27:05.879 --> 00:27:07.200 We don't just sit around 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:07.980 twiddling our thumbs 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.579 and write it off 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.500 as trusting the Lord. 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:11.440 If anxiety is giving 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.839 too much concern 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:13.799 to our circumstances 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:15.279 to where we make them 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:15.920 our Lord, 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.440 complete apathy 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:19.480 is also not the answer. 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:21.000 the care given 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.140 needs to be calculated 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.920 but not worshipped. 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.740 We ought to steward 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.980 God's creation well 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:28.039 even though he is 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.500 going to come 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.140 and destroy it. 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.720 We ought to work hard 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.480 at our jobs 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.920 and have an exit plan 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.860 to feed our families 00:27:33.860 --> 00:27:34.880 knowing that God 00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:36.140 promises to provide. 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.599 We should take our kids 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:38.120 to the doctor 00:27:38.120 --> 00:27:38.740 if there's a medical 00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:39.360 concern. 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:41.160 The difference is 00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:43.400 we rejoice in the Lord

00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:44.660 all the while 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.880 knowing that he is 00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:46.960 working through it all. 00:27:47.620 --> 00:27:48.680 He cares for his children. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:49.980 He cares for us better 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:51.299 than we care for ourselves. 00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:52.900 And he commands us 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:53.840 to do these things. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.480 He commands us 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.480 to provide for our families. 00:27:55.620 --> 00:27:56.400 He tells us 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.740 to have some wine 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:59.000 if you have a stomach ache. 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.660 He tells us 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.420 that the wise man 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.059 builds his house 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.220 on a rock not sand. 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:05.140 We seek to be faithful 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:06.980 yet prudent 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:09.579 and we trust the Lord 00:28:09.579 --> 00:28:10.299 and the outcomes. 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.000 If it ends 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.819 in physical blessing 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:13.059 praise God. 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:15.160 If it ends like Paul 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:16.299 in physical hardship 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.759 praise God. 00:28:18.659 --> 00:28:20.119 These physical circumstances 00:28:20.119 --> 00:28:21.899 are not our Lord. 00:28:23.319 --> 00:28:24.139 Quite often 00:28:24.139 --> 00:28:25.200 things aren't 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:26.220 really that peachy. 00:28:26.899 --> 00:28:27.539 What if we really 00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:28.579 do lose our jobs? 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.539 What if Russia 00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.700 really does attack? 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:33.099 God does not promise 00:28:33.099 --> 00:28:34.039 that everything 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.500 will be a bed of roses 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.899 here on earth. 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.519 In fact 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.519 he promises 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:39.819 that we are going 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:40.579 to be persecuted 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.299 and he promises 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:42.399 that work is going 00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:43.119 to be difficult. 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:44.000 He promises 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.799 that in this world 00:28:44.799 --> 00:28:45.299 we are going 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.359 to have tribulation. 00:28:46.859 --> 00:28:47.480 But amidst 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.079 these things 00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:49.099 he promises 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:50.899 spiritual respite. 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.480 God being Lord 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.700 gives us what we need 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:55.359 to not be overwhelmed 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.139 in fear. 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:57.819 When the world 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.419 fails us 00:28:58.419 --> 00:28:59.399 we are not to be 00:28:59.399 --> 00:29:00.740 surprised or anxious 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:02.000 but instead 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:03.359 we allow these things 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.399 to push us deeper 00:29:04.399 --> 00:29:05.740 into trust 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:07.000 in the eternal 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:08.299 and never failing 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:08.899 God. 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.680 So turn from hope 00:29:10.680 --> 00:29:11.379 in the world 00:29:11.380 --> 00:29:13.200 and turn to hope 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:13.960 in God. 00:29:14.520 --> 00:29:15.540 He is a good Lord. 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:16.800 He has done 00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:17.320 great things 00:29:17.320 --> 00:29:18.240 and he promises 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:19.600 great things. 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.920 You can find rest 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.720 for all the 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.820 red alarms 00:29:23.820 --> 00:29:24.560 that the news 00:29:24.560 --> 00:29:25.380 provides you 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:26.780 or that we make up 00:29:26.780 --> 00:29:27.740 in our own minds 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.960 with the reliable 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.820 truths that God 00:29:29.820 --> 00:29:30.900 has provided us 00:29:30.900 --> 00:29:31.580 in his word. 00:29:32.040 --> 00:29:32.560 Study them 00:29:32.560 --> 00:29:33.440 know them 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:34.800 memorize them 00:29:34.800 --> 00:29:35.640 cling to them 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:37.400 they are for your 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:38.200 soul's well-being 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:38.920 and for the glory 00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:39.480 of God. 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:40.660 They are tools 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.220 for you 00:29:41.220 --> 00:29:41.960 in the fight 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.980 against anxiety. 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.980 We have talked 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.340 at length 00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:46.580 how God is Lord 00:29:46.580 --> 00:29:47.660 and what that implies 00:29:47.660 --> 00:29:48.759 for anxiety 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.860 and rejoicing. 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:52.080 Seeing what he has done 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:52.660 we know 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.880 that his word 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:55.120 is backed 00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:56.880 with his omnipotence 00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:58.980 knowing his reliability. 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.720 We can hope 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.480 in the promises 00:30:01.480 --> 00:30:02.480 he gives 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.040 for the future. 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:04.600 These things 00:30:04.600 --> 00:30:05.180 are not just 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:06.120 to be understood 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:07.779 from a theological 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.519 academic 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:09.860 perspective 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:11.000 our text 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:11.539 ends 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.359 with a command 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:13.199

to also be 00:30:13.199 --> 00:30:13.779 in personal 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.439 relationship 00:30:14.439 --> 00:30:15.139 with the Lord 00:30:15.139 --> 00:30:16.539 not just to know 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.240 about him 00:30:17.240 --> 00:30:18.259 but to know him 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:18.719 personally. 00:30:19.199 --> 00:30:20.019 We are to commune 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:20.500 with him 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.519 and this is our 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:22.359 final point 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:24.479 pray for everything. 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:27.179 In our text 00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:27.759 we have four 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.579 different words 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.859 used for how 00:30:29.859 --> 00:30:30.339 we are to talk 00:30:30.339 --> 00:30:30.659 to God. 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:31.339 There is prayer 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:32.659 supplication 00:30:32.659 --> 00:30:33.959 thanksgiving 00:30:33.959 --> 00:30:35.240 and requests. 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.880 the latter 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.380 three 00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:38.700 supplication 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:39.339 thanksgiving 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:39.920 and requesting 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:40.500 are all 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:41.160 under the umbrella 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:41.740 of prayer. 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:43.039 Prayer includes 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.740 more than just 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:45.000 these three categories 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.160 but all of them 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:46.940 should be a part 00:30:46.940 --> 00:30:47.500 of our regular 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.319 prayer life. 00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:51.019 And let's note 00:30:51.019 --> 00:30:51.680 that God 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:53.099 is commanding us 00:30:53.099 --> 00:30:53.880 to pray to him 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:54.599 in everything. 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:56.519 So therefore 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.319 he wants us 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:58.500 to bear these things 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.039 with him. 00:30:59.039 --> 00:31:01.220 we fool 00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:01.740 ourselves 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:02.720 to think 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:03.539 that we can 00:31:03.539 --> 00:31:04.379 or should 00:31:04.379 --> 00:31:05.599 muster these 00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:06.700 things by ourselves. 00:31:07.399 --> 00:31:08.119 It is deception 00:31:08.119 --> 00:31:08.799 to pretend 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:09.440 that the Lord 00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:11.220 doesn't care 00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:11.799 about your 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.740 little trivial 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:13.319 concerns 00:31:13.319 --> 00:31:14.779 or that he's 00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:15.460 too busy 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:16.139 to listen. 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:17.960 God wants us 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.659 to walk in step 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.079 with him 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:20.200 in everything. 00:31:20.440

--> 00:31:21.420 Every experience 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:21.920 we have 00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:22.519 every thought 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:22.960 that pops 00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:23.700 into our minds 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:24.779 we are talking 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.339 and walking 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:25.920 with God. 00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.460 God is omnipresent 00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:28.460 and he is 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:29.180 omniscient. 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:31.360 He is everywhere 00:31:31.360 --> 00:31:33.019 and all powerful. 00:31:34.360 --> 00:31:35.120 He is never 00:31:35.120 --> 00:31:36.900 too busy 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:38.140 to give you 00:31:38.140 --> 00:31:38.740 his ear 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:39.680 or fulfill 00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:40.400 his promises 00:31:40.400 --> 00:31:41.019 to you. 00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:43.000 He is a hospitable 00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:44.380 and welcoming 00:31:44.380 --> 00:31:45.140 father 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:46.220 comforting 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:47.039 his children. 00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:49.140 He does not 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.340 scowl 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:51.100 at us 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:51.779 for asking 00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:52.519 the wrong things 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.140 and he doesn't 00:31:53.140 --> 00:31:53.759 expect us 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.640 to do everything 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.500 by ourselves. 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.920 But instead 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.680 he gives us 00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:58.140 peace 00:31:58.140 --> 00:31:58.800 and he guards 00:31:58.800 --> 00:31:59.180 our hearts 00:31:59.180 --> 00:31:59.580 and minds 00:31:59.580 --> 00:31:59.980 in Christ 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:00.300 Jesus 00:32:00.300 --> 00:32:00.800 through our 00:32:00.800 --> 00:32:01.140 prayers. 00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.060 So if we 00:32:03.060 --> 00:32:03.460 need something 00:32:03.460 --> 00:32:04.080 supplied 00:32:04.080 --> 00:32:05.720 we go to 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.140 God 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:06.620 for that 00:32:06.620 --> 00:32:07.440 supplication. 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.700 Our requests 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.240 are made 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:09.740 to God 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.540 because God 00:32:10.540 --> 00:32:11.540 is the Lord. 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:12.100 He is the 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:12.800 sovereign one 00:32:12.800 --> 00:32:13.400 over all 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:13.920 things that 00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:14.600 can actually 00:32:14.600 --> 00:32:15.200 do something 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:15.820 about it. 00:32:16.540 --> 00:32:17.220 Being clothed 00:32:17.220 --> 00:32:17.720 in Christ's 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:18.080 righteousness 00:32:18.080 --> 00:32:18.840 we can draw 00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:19.560 near his throne 00:32:19.560 --> 00:32:20.259 with confidence 00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:20.860 to make our 00:32:20.860 --> 00:32:21.360 requests 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:21.500 hearts. 00:32:22.339 --> 00:32:22.759 And God 00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:23.079 in some 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:23.439 spiritual 00:32:23.439 --> 00:32:23.939 economy 00:32:23.939 --> 00:32:24.659 uses our 00:32:24.659 --> 00:32:24.959 prayers 00:32:24.959 --> 00:32:25.679 to accomplish 00:32:25.679 --> 00:32:26.339 his works. 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:27.379 He knows 00:32:27.379 --> 00:32:27.779 what we are 00:32:27.779 --> 00:32:28.199 going to 00:32:28.199 --> 00:32:28.679 pray for 00:32:28.679 --> 00:32:29.219 before we 00:32:29.219 --> 00:32:30.000 even ask. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:30.779 He has 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:31.139 already 00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:31.699 written 00:32:31.699 --> 00:32:32.199 history 00:32:32.199 --> 00:32:33.519 but part 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:33.819 of his 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.139 history 00:32:34.139 --> 00:32:34.599 is using 00:32:34.599 --> 00:32:35.039 our prayers 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:35.439 as a 00:32:35.439 --> 00:32:35.839 means 00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:36.299 to his 00:32:36.299 --> 00:32:36.699 ends. 00:32:37.659 --> 00:32:38.179 He desires 00:32:38.179 --> 00:32:39.039 our relationship 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:40.339 dependency 00:32:40.339 --> 00:32:41.259 and submission 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.159 to him 00:32:42.159 --> 00:32:42.639 to carry 00:32:42.639 --> 00:32:43.159 out these 00:32:43.159 --> 00:32:43.559 things. 00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:44.819 That doesn't 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.479 mean he does 00:32:45.479 --> 00:32:46.079 everything we 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.719 ask him to 00:32:46.720 --> 00:32:47.500 and it 00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:47.759 doesn't 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.140 mean he's 00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:48.579 dependent 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.180 upon our 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:49.460 prayers 00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:50.039 to execute 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.640 his will. 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.440 It means 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:51.759 that he 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:52.360 uses our 00:32:52.360 --> 00:32:52.700 prayers 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:53.160 and his 00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:53.500 wisdom 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:54.319 to dictate 00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:54.700 our 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:55.360 circumstances 00:32:55.360 --> 00:32:56.160 as he 00:32:56.160 --> 00:32:57.100 sees fit. 00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:58.660 He is 00:32:58.660 --> 00:32:59.440 Lord. 00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:00.960 Because he 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.420 is Lord 00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:02.019 he is also 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.339 the one 00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:02.680 we are to 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.220 be thankful 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:03.640 to. 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:04.620 I think 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:04.920 the Lord 00:33:04.920 --> 00:33:05.680 often uses 00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:06.279 these prayers 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:06.900 of thanksgiving 00:33:06.900 --> 00:33:07.420

in a very 00:33:07.420 --> 00:33:08.019 real, 00:33:08.299 --> 00:33:08.640 practical, 00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:09.100 tangible 00:33:09.100 --> 00:33:10.059 way to 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:10.559 help us 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:10.980 rejoice 00:33:10.980 --> 00:33:11.819 always and 00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:12.759 resist anxiety. 00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:14.940 1 Thessalonians 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.539 says similarly 00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:17.119 to our 00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:17.599 text rejoice 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.079 always, 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:18.920 pray without 00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:19.339 ceasing, 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:20.079 and give 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:20.559 thanks in 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:21.480 all circumstances. 00:33:22.359 --> 00:33:22.819 So letting 00:33:22.819 --> 00:33:23.759 yourself stop 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.259 and reflect 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:24.639 on your 00:33:24.639 --> 00:33:25.299 circumstances 00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:25.960 from a 00:33:25.960 --> 00:33:26.859 broader lens 00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:27.740 I think 00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:28.119 will open 00:33:28.119 --> 00:33:28.579 your eyes 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.180 to see 00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:29.839 how much 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.220 you have 00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:30.539 to be 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:30.799 thankful 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.180 for. 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.859 Instead 00:33:32.859 --> 00:33:33.319 of letting 00:33:33.319 --> 00:33:34.339 your flesh, 00:33:34.859 --> 00:33:35.399 the world, 00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:35.940 and Satan 00:33:35.940 --> 00:33:36.920 convince you 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:37.319 of how 00:33:37.319 --> 00:33:37.859 hopeless 00:33:37.859 --> 00:33:38.420 this world 00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:38.799 is, 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:39.940 you can 00:33:39.940 --> 00:33:40.599 thank the 00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:41.220 Lord for 00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:41.519 all the 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:41.879 things he 00:33:41.879 --> 00:33:42.599 has blessed 00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:43.059 you with. 00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:44.220 So find 00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:44.700 ways to 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:45.299 recognize 00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:45.899 God's 00:33:45.899 --> 00:33:46.519 providence 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:46.859 in your 00:33:46.859 --> 00:33:47.440 situations 00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:48.740 and never 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.299 forget that 00:33:49.299 --> 00:33:49.559 what we 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:50.039 deserve 00:33:50.039 --> 00:33:51.000 is death 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:51.359 and hell 00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:52.039 that Christ 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.279 saved, 00:33:53.400 --> 00:33:53.700 that Christ 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.119 died for 00:33:54.119 --> 00:33:54.379 us. 00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:55.079 So giving 00:33:55.079 --> 00:33:56.019 thanks turns 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:56.639 that outlook 00:33:56.639 --> 00:33:57.379 from a 00:33:57.379

--> 00:33:58.500 worldly and 00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:59.059 emotionally 00:33:59.059 --> 00:34:00.039 overwhelmed 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:00.819 disposition 00:34:00.819 --> 00:34:02.819 to a 00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:03.259 confidence 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:03.799 in the 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:04.079 Lord's 00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:04.440 goodness 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.059 and 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.639 providence 00:34:05.639 --> 00:34:06.119 over all 00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:06.559 things. 00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:08.780 And this 00:34:08.780 --> 00:34:09.360 text ends 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:10.539 and tells 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:10.900 us that the 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:12.139 result is 00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:12.679 the peace 00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:13.380 of God 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.539 that surpasses 00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:15.300 understanding. 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:16.559 I take 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:16.900 this to 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.279 mean that 00:34:17.279 --> 00:34:17.639 it's not 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:17.940 just 00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:18.679 known, 00:34:19.900 --> 00:34:20.759 it surpasses 00:34:20.759 --> 00:34:21.300 understanding, 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.340 it is also 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:22.900 felt, 00:34:23.139 --> 00:34:23.579 it is 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:24.259 real, 00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:24.800 the Lord 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:25.579 is actually 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:26.579 present in 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:27.679 us through 00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:28.279 our prayer, 00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.039 bringing us 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.259 peace inwardly. 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:31.279 It's part of 00:34:31.279 --> 00:34:32.239 what makes the 00:34:32.239 --> 00:34:33.440 relationship a 00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:34.259 two-way street. 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:34.759 We aren't 00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:35.679 just talking 00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:36.360 with God 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:37.199 and shooting 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:37.639 our prayers 00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.380 up aimlessly. 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:40.380 He is 00:34:40.380 --> 00:34:41.200 giving us 00:34:41.200 --> 00:34:41.680 peace as 00:34:41.680 --> 00:34:41.920 we are 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.539 talking with 00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:42.760 Him. 00:34:43.640 --> 00:34:43.980 And this 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:44.340 kind of 00:34:44.340 --> 00:34:44.940 peace protects 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.380 your hearts 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:45.680 and your 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:46.160 minds from 00:34:46.160 --> 00:34:46.660 anxiety, 00:34:47.019 --> 00:34:47.420 and it 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:47.940 provides you 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:48.240 with the 00:34:48.240 --> 00:34:48.559 joy that 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:49.039 we have 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:49.599 in Christ. 00:34:49.760 --> 00:34:49.980 We don't 00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:50.260 just, 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:52.880 you know, 00:34:52.920

--> 00:34:53.119 again, 00:34:53.180 --> 00:34:53.400 we don't 00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:53.920 just have 00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:54.440 this one-way 00:34:54.440 --> 00:34:54.720 street, 00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:55.220 it's both. 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:57.519 The suggestion 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:58.800 box is not 00:34:58.800 --> 00:34:59.480 just there 00:34:59.480 --> 00:34:59.800 for our 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:00.079 taking. 00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:01.660 So He 00:35:01.660 --> 00:35:02.240 actually hears 00:35:02.240 --> 00:35:02.760 our prayers, 00:35:03.420 --> 00:35:03.980 and He 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:04.519 responds to 00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:04.720 them. 00:35:05.680 --> 00:35:06.160 So pray 00:35:06.160 --> 00:35:06.519 to Him, 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:08.099 be in 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.420 fellowship 00:35:08.420 --> 00:35:08.940 with Him, 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:10.300 tell Him 00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:10.599 of the 00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:11.059 things that 00:35:11.059 --> 00:35:11.460 are sweet 00:35:11.460 --> 00:35:11.820 to you, 00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:12.780 tell Him 00:35:12.780 --> 00:35:13.059 of the 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:13.460 things that 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:13.960 you are 00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:14.300 struggling 00:35:14.300 --> 00:35:14.679 with, 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:16.139 tell Him 00:35:16.139 --> 00:35:16.380 of the 00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:16.699 things you 00:35:16.699 --> 00:35:17.059 need help 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:17.380 with. 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:18.820 One of 00:35:18.820 --> 00:35:19.139 the things 00:35:19.139 --> 00:35:19.519 that Christ 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:19.940 did for 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.159 us, 00:35:20.259 --> 00:35:20.539 one of the 00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:20.800 things He 00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:21.579 accomplishes 00:35:21.579 --> 00:35:23.460 for us, 00:35:23.519 --> 00:35:23.780 is this 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:24.119 personal 00:35:24.119 --> 00:35:24.699 relationship. 00:35:25.360 --> 00:35:25.780 So walk 00:35:25.780 --> 00:35:26.059 with your 00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:26.579 Father in 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.059 a prayerful 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:27.340 way, 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:28.659 He is 00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:29.179 with you, 00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:30.019 and He 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:30.380 will go 00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:30.800 with you. 00:35:32.980 --> 00:35:33.619 So this 00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:34.199 text has 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:35.739 three summary 00:35:35.739 --> 00:35:36.280 thoughts. 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:38.460 first, 00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:40.079 we rejoice, 00:35:40.900 --> 00:35:41.800 we rest 00:35:41.800 --> 00:35:42.219 our anxious 00:35:42.219 --> 00:35:42.619 hearts, 00:35:42.759 --> 00:35:42.940 and we 00:35:42.940 --> 00:35:43.360 pray to 00:35:43.360 --> 00:35:43.719 God, 00:35:44.119 --> 00:35:44.719 all because 00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:45.920 He is 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:46.500 Lord.

00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.000 Worship 00:35:48.000 --> 00:35:48.639 Him as 00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:49.039 such. 00:35:49.199 --> 00:35:49.559 Do not 00:35:49.559 --> 00:35:50.239 neglect to 00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:50.900 express that 00:35:50.900 --> 00:35:51.920 horizontally to 00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:53.280 everyone around 00:35:53.280 --> 00:35:53.599 you, but 00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:54.440 also express it 00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:55.079 vertically to 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.599 God in 00:35:55.599 --> 00:35:55.840 prayer. 00:35:57.400 --> 00:35:57.800 Second, 00:35:58.719 --> 00:35:59.099 don't 00:35:59.099 --> 00:36:00.219 dissociate your 00:36:00.219 --> 00:36:00.980 physical being 00:36:00.980 --> 00:36:01.340 from your 00:36:01.340 --> 00:36:01.719 spiritual. 00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:03.079 I think when 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:03.420 the Scriptures 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:04.019 say to flee 00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:04.699 temptations or 00:36:04.699 --> 00:36:05.380 to gouge out 00:36:05.380 --> 00:36:06.099 your eye, 00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:06.719 that means we 00:36:06.719 --> 00:36:07.539 should use 00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:08.059 everything in 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:08.779 our arsenal to 00:36:08.779 --> 00:36:09.980 help us against 00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:11.199 the fight to 00:36:11.199 --> 00:36:12.019 stop sinning or 00:36:12.019 --> 00:36:12.619 to be tempted 00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:13.380 by sin. 00:36:13.799 --> 00:36:14.639 If watching the 00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:15.460 news makes you 00:36:15.460 --> 00:36:17.339 anxious, stop 00:36:17.339 --> 00:36:18.119 watching it for a 00:36:18.119 --> 00:36:18.380 while. 00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:20.400 If you have a 00:36:20.400 --> 00:36:22.019 weird mole, go 00:36:22.019 --> 00:36:22.539 get it checked 00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:22.819 out. 00:36:24.099 --> 00:36:24.779 I've had a 00:36:24.779 --> 00:36:25.380 couple of those. 00:36:27.059 --> 00:36:27.420 But be 00:36:27.420 --> 00:36:28.699 reasonable and 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:30.059 rest in God's 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:30.880 sovereignty over 00:36:30.880 --> 00:36:31.440 your physical 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:32.179 circumstances. 00:36:32.179 --> 00:36:33.539 anxiety is 00:36:33.539 --> 00:36:34.679 never just a 00:36:34.679 --> 00:36:35.399 physical fight. 00:36:36.399 --> 00:36:36.739 And it's 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:37.480 very often 00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:38.239 purely a 00:36:38.239 --> 00:36:38.919 spiritual one. 00:36:39.819 --> 00:36:40.659 Finally, read 00:36:40.659 --> 00:36:41.719 your Bibles with 00:36:41.719 --> 00:36:42.679 intentionality 00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:43.619 more. 00:36:44.179 --> 00:36:44.519 It will 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:45.279 produce more 00:36:45.279 --> 00:36:45.960 rejoicing. 00:36:46.339 --> 00:36:46.739 It will give 00:36:46.739 --> 00:36:47.480 you godly 00:36:47.480 --> 00:36:48.379 wisdom to 00:36:48.379 --> 00:36:49.339 disarm the 00:36:49.339 --> 00:36:50.139 lies that the 00:36:50.139 --> 00:36:51.199 world and 00:36:51.199 --> 00:36:52.019 Satan and 00:36:52.019 --> 00:36:53.219 yourself engender. 00:36:54.379 --> 00:36:54.739 It says, 00:36:54.739 --> 00:36:55.440 man will not 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:56.019 live off bread 00:36:56.019 --> 00:36:57.119 alone, but 00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:57.839 from every word 00:36:57.839 --> 00:36:58.319 that comes from 00:36:58.319 --> 00:36:59.179 the mouth of 00:36:59.179 --> 00:36:59.500 God. 00:36:59.500 --> 00:37:02.039 With that, 00:37:02.760 --> 00:37:03.260 let's pray.