A Country Bumpkin Like Me

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).

No Problem, right?  Over the past several months, I found myself becoming more and more anxious.  It started to creep into my quiet time, distracting me from reading the Word and praying.  Life is tough and many things would crowd God out.  My daughter is suffering the consequences of choices she made years ago; my son is now making choices that will produce negative consequences for the rest of his life.  I would think about the turmoil in the world, the upcoming election, the state of our economy, even my youngest daughter’s Christian school was on the front page of the paper for recruiting violations.  Issues like these were my focus as opposed to God.

One morning, I turned to Philippians 4:6-7, I began to meditate on God and who He is.  He is holy, righteous, pure, perfect, mighty, great, majestic, creator, sovereign, omnipresent, omniscient, all-powerful, He is high and on the throne.  I was in reverence awe of the shear magnitude of our God!

The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken-that is, created things-so what what cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:27-29).

Wow, God is awesome!  Is He able to take care of my family, our future?  Absolutely!  However, here is the killer:  I sat in my study and thought, “Yes, but why would He?  Why would such a holy, powerful God mess with a country bumpkin like me?  I requested a meeting with the mayor of our city but was not even worthy of a reply.  How could I get a meeting with the Creator of the universe?”  I began to think of my life, all the mistakes I made and am making; I do not deserve His help!

It was then that God moved my thoughts to another side of Himself.  I am not worthy to enter the presence of our awesome God, and that is why He sent His Son to me.  God is all the above but He is also my Saviour, Shepherd, Sustainer, Friend, Protector, Provider, Healer, Redeemer, Strong Tower, Fortress, Might Warrior, Counselor, Father, and much more.

What, then, shall we say in response to this?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32 NIV).

Then I read God’s promise after Philippians 4:6,

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

Now that is what I am talking about!  We have an all-powerful, almighty God as a Father and Friend!  No matter who is in the White House, He is in heaven residing over all.  He is powerful and loving enough to draw my kids to Him, just as He did me.  As for the economy, IRAs, 401ks, the housing market, I will trust in my Provider and Sustainer.  I am one of the sheep of His pasture; He is my God and Shepherd.  While some men trust in chariots and horses, I will trust the Lord my God!  Oh me of little faith!