My message for this Sunday is titled, Peace in Anxious Times. We have many reasons to feel anxious during these challenging times of health and economic uncertainty. Such anxieties are normal, but can easily get out of hand and interfere with our ability to think clearly and act wisely. I find myself going back and forth between voraciously reading all the news, public health and scientific studies I can, and just shutting it all off for a while to take my dog Jesse for a walk, make dinner, listen to music, or meditate and pray. Constant anxiety is debilitating. There is truth in the saying, “Worry is like your rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” We need some rest from our anxieties. We need some peace. In our scripture passage for this week, Philippians 4:6-9, the apostle invites us to turn our anxieties over to God so that we may experience a peace that transcends all understanding. ”Do not worry 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, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” In these anxious times I invite you to read, ponder and heed his advice.
blessings, Ernie
To listen to my message, prayer and a song sung by David Chavez, click on “Peace in Anxious Times”