Beyond the Weekend

December 13 | Deep Desire Meets Fear

December 13, 2017

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Read: Philippians 4:6-7

Listen: Philippians 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Anxiety seems to be an intense desire for something, accompanied by fear of the consequences of not receiving it.”  John Piper

Sometimes it is not about our anxiety, but something deeper. King David is on to something extremely important when he asks, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm139:23a) Fear is lurking beneath our anxiety. Fear that needs God’s revelation and help to push it out so peace can come in.

Desiring something isn’t necessarily bad.  But our inner peace is directly connected to how we respond when we might not get it. Ask yourself, “what do I want, and what do I fear?”

Remember that Paul says, “in every situation…present your requests to God.” Then ask him for two more things—strength and courage. God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) When you pray, God’s peace will guard your feelings and thoughts.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

God understands our fears and responds to our pleas for help. Like King David, today ask God to show you the fear that lies under your anxiety. Sometimes those fears are buried so deep, we need a friend or counselor for help to uncover them. If you need help, please contact our Care Department at 616-622-3175 or email us at btw@adabible.org to start a conversation.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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