As of late, I have really been learning the lesson of the importance of reading scripture. I mentioned in my last post about the new reading plan I have started. Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System (found at this link) has been an incredible system for me. I have learned so much and it has been so encouraging.

As I have been discussing how this system is changing my life, people have brought up to me different verses that have completely encouraged me and solidified to me why I am loving this new system.

Philippians 2 is one of those passages. It reads:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
(Philippians 4:4-9 ESV)

I have written about this passage before and how it has challenged my thinking on worrying, but I realized something while talking through this tonight…As I have always looked to this passage to help me to not worry, I did not realize how it impacts every other aspect of life. In everything, I always find myself anxious about something. In school, getting all of my work done; in driving, avoiding traffic or getting out of traffic; in relationships, making sure I am being a good friend; in my outward looks, that I meet up with societies “norms”/trends; in happiness, that I see myself a certain way or that others think of me a certain way; etc. In everything, I find myself anxious because I am not fixing my mind on Christ or things of Christ. I am relying on the world’s standards to rule my mind. Even today, I found myself getting so upset at the traffic on the freeway. Why? Because I was focused on myself.

The more and more I have spent in the word, immersing myself in scripture, the more I find myself with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Disclaimer: I do not think this is a magical, mystical feeling, but an understanding of my hope in Christ and my ultimate needs being met [sin]). My mind is on things not of this world so my first inclination is not to be anxious, but it is of Christ and how I can glorify him and know him more.

Psalm 119:11 – “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Proverbs 3:1-8 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:1-8 ESV)

I re-looked at this passage tonight and realized that I always overlook verses 1-4…but they are crucial. Basically this verse is encouraging us to not forget the law or commandments (the Word) and to bind them to our necks and our hearts. The writer is encouraging us to trust in the Lord rather than our emotions (our own understanding) and our own eyes.

Realizing the last year of my life (since last May) has been so refreshing and healing to my flesh and bones. I have learned so much this last year and have been rejuvenated; I have been learning how to trust in the Lord. I have a joy for life because my goal is to trust in the Lord and not man.

I am thankful. 

To Be Continued… =)