Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

For those who follow Christ, the above Scripture is one of the dearest sources of comfort and peace. The day after 9/11 I was asked to pray comfort for the over 1,000 employees at my company’s world headquarters. It wasn’t hard to find the right scripture.

What do I see? In the midst of political transition, people searching for a sign of any reason for hope while the temperature of anxiety continues to rise. The thermometer is about to burst. Now, with Covid-19 and the growing epidemic of anxiety and depression we turn again to Philipians 4 for the ‘Peace of God’

Even now, after the election and the inauguration of a new president, one side is depressed and angry for certainty they have been cheated and disenfranchised while the other side (the winners) seem angry and bent on the destruction of those who have differing opinions.

The Challenge

I have to acknowledge that this verse is more often translated as, “Do not be anxious about anything”. The structure of the Greek text seems to say “Of nothing be anxious for”. However, in my New Kings James Version the phrase is written as “Be anxious for nothing.”

The NKJV of this verse has always come across as something of a challenge. Paul declaring, “Be anxious – for nothing . . .” In other words – Go ahead; be anxious. I dare you. Go ahead. . . you’ll find it leads to nothing.

The verb used here ‘be anxious’ (Merimnao) in the Greek is present imperative which is more like a command, not just an exhortation and not something optional that would be nice to do if we decide to do it. It is as if Paul is acknowledging our inclination to be anxious. He is daring us to be anxious and to then discover it’s worthlessness.

The imagery that pops into my mind is a scene from the movie Christmas Story– the kids are outside at school recess on a winter day. Schwartz challenges Flick to put his tongue on the freezing metal flag pole. He dares him. Flick waves it off convinced nothing will happen. The challenger then ‘Double Dog Dares’ him. Everyone gasps. Flick waves it off again. But, when Schwartz ‘Triple Dog Dares’ him there is no turning away. Flick must take the challenge or be humiliated as a coward.  We know how this scene ends; with Flick stuck, flailing about and screaming for help.

So, the way I have read scripture is as Paul’s challenge. “Go ahead be anxious, see that it leads to nothing.” When we choose to be anxious we are left stuck, flailing about and screaming for help. There is simply no benefit to our anxiety. It’s not only wasted energy but energy that studies show makes us less healthy and shortens our life on earth.

But, God knows that anxiety is part of the human condition. It is often put upon us based on extreme circumstances and/or the words and actions of others. What we have come to expect to be stable and safe has become fractured and unstable threatening our safety and very existence.

We can all see what the impact of the pandemic has done to the overall anxiety level in our country. Pile onto that the pathetic lack of unity by our leaders to come together for the benefit of those they serve and agree on how to best navigate this tremendous challenge. Instead of working together to instill a sense of hope and peace and comfort, many politicians use it as an opportunity to ramp up fear in order to gain political advantage. (And, while we are at it why don’t we pile on with subverting the constitution, trashing the economy, fomenting divisive racial discord and encouraging violent rioting for good measure.)

Paul Brings Really Good News

Even as Christ declared that in this world we will have tribulation (You will experience pressure and anxiety), He brings the good news that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This scripture formula Paul provides for relieving/eliminating our anxiety is the way we recognize Christ has overcome the world:

. . . in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

My first reaction is – That’s way too simplistic. Really? I just pray, act happy and my anxiety magically goes away?

But, there are three components to this formula. It’s not just saying in 3 different ways to pray. Paul is instructing how to pray. It says ‘in all things’ but I think it can be inferred in this case he is talking about all things that bring you anxiety. He instructs, By . . .

1. Prayer– Proseuche– The Greek word is defined as a prayer addressed to God but also a place set apart or suited for the offering of prayer. Often translated as synagogue or a particular place set apart for prayer.
   • I believe Paul is instructing to remove yourself in order to dedicate time to engage with God. This is not a ‘pray-on-the-fly’ kind of thing. If you are anxious, go and dedicate time with the one who can answer you and bring you supernatural peace.
2. With Supplication– Deesis– Defined as a need, indigence, want, privation – a seeking, asking, entreating of God.
   • How often do we come to God with our shotgun prayers? We detail our list of concerns, say “amen” and rub our hands together – Done! Unfortunately, many of us just drop our list and walk away leaving God ready to respond but we’ve already left the room. Come to God with specific anxieties and engage with God expecting to hear from him through his written word and even his word spoken directly to our spirit.
3. With Thanksgiving– Eucharistia– Simply being thankful.
   • Paul is saying to remove yourself to be in an intimate exchange with God about what you are earnestly and passionately crying out for and bring along a thankful heart. Why in the midst of anxiety are we to be thankful? We are thankful for 2 reasons: 1. That we have someone who listens and is big and strong and capable enough to hand our worries over to, being confident that we know He will answer us and, 2. He promises to bring us peace beyond what we could imagine under difficult circumstances. I love going to the store and getting “2 for 1” deals. This is the ultimate “2 for 1” deal.

The dynamic Paul details reminds me of occasions where I had a problem at work – one that frustrated my ability to be successful at my job but I did not have the authority to fix it myself. What could I do? I would, 1. Set up a meeting for a specific time and place with a person who was in authority and whom I trusted, 2. I would meet with that person to explain the situation, and enter into a dialogue and, 3. That person would say, “I understand. I’ll take care of it.” and I would gratefully respond, “Thank you.” I would then leave the meeting not necessarily knowing how the person in authority would resolve the problem but knowing it would be fixed. The burden was lifted.

The worthlessness of anxiety is repeated in numerous places in the Bible. Matthew captured Jesus’ teaching in Chapter 6:

• Matthew 6:25 – “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?”
• Matthew 6:27 – “And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span?
• Matthew 6:28 – “And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,”
• Matthew 6:31 – “Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’”
• Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
• Matthew 10:19 – “But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak.”

Let Me Be Honest (Share more openly)

I let plenty of things in my life become more important than following this trustworthy formula even as I stew in my anxiety. Why I don’t prioritize the time to follow this formula more often is a bit of a mystery. But, I can testify that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and I have seen him respond with answers and peace in times of trouble. I point back to my previous post as an example.

I invite you to hear God’s voice speaking through Philippians 4:6-7 as a challenge – “Go ahead. You want to be anxious? Be anxious. But, I have something better for you.”

---

Follow-up to my last post – A “Chance” Text Encounter from January 8^th

I invited the Senator to read my post and he graciously accepted. He responded with appreciation and welcomed me to be public about who the ‘mystery’ Senator is. He is US Senator from Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal.

We continue to exchange texts as part of my commitment to pray for the Senator. The great temptation is to take this opening to make political commentary but my directive is to pray that God would speak to his heart in ways I never could, assuring him of the reality of God’s great love, peace and joy. Ultimately, that God would meet the true desire of his heart – to be a peacemaker in this anxiety riddled time of division and turmoil.

I invite you to pray for Senator Blumenthal and all our leaders in Federal, State and Local government – that God’s Spirit would coax them to shed their political motivations and to take bold steps to serve as true Peacemakers.

“I returned and saw under the sun that – The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.”– Ecclesiastes 9:11

(Even as I go to post this article I’m dealing with the upset over scenes revealing the utter decay and disfunction of our society. Demonstrations turned into violent rioting over the Summer now spilling into our Nation’s Capitol Building. Political ideologies one-upping the other in “righteous” anger. The cloud of ugly evil and duplicity creates a veil making it hard to see where God is in all this. Yet, this is a blog about God showing up. Even as he appears to be pulling back while giving over to our growing collective selfish desires, He steps in when called. Jeremiah 33:3 – ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’)

—————————————-

I had a strange “chance” encounter happen recently.

It started with a very difficult and emotional discussion with a loved one. As many are experiencing, it involved the very real health, economic, emotional and spiritual struggles going on through this pandemic. If the pressures from all that aren’t enough, the torrent of ugliness spewed from both ends of the political spectrum has generated feelings of sheer hopelessness.

At this point I must admit that I have my own political leanings but I struggle to put those aside. What I have been most angry and exorcised about is the lack of sensitivity and/or caring on the part of our political leaders as to the impact of their terroristic hyperbole on the emotional well-being of the people they serve. The politician may see it as political theater but many take it deadly serious. Yet, both sides claim they are out to rescue ‘the soul of our nation’.

One side demonizes the other as either corrupt Russian agents out to destroy the world or as power hungry manipulators bent on turning our country into the next Venezuela. For most people, it’s near impossible, what with media manipulation, to determine what is ‘fake news’ and what is true? Add the growing fear that if you dare voice your legitimate political opinions to the wrong person, they will bash your head in. It is all driving a fever-pitched despair leading to skyrocketing anxiety and depression, alcoholism, drug use, leading to deaths from overdoses and suicides (A category now referred to as “Deaths From Despair”)

After that painful conversation, along with others I know who have expressed the fear and hopelessness they are experiencing, coupled with growing numbers of those “too-close-to-home” who have died from overdoses and suicide, my own anger and frustration is boiling over. I just want to find a politician and shake some sense into them. Do I call my congressman? The Whitehouse? Do I write an op-ed piece? Do I light cars on fire, tear down statues and burn buildings? How do I exercise this anger and frustration?

So, what do I do?

I can’t sleep so I get on my knees and pray (Sorry, I know, not very radical). I cry out to my God in desperation. It is a deep emotional cry from the heart that I rarely express. Crying out for my family and for the sad state of affairs, particularly with our leaders leaving the ones I love hopeless and me feeling helpless to do anything about it. What can I do God? I cry out to God for an open window to allow me to have an impact for God’s goodness, righteousness and truth.

So, I vent all the frustration and anger to almighty God. At the end, I thank God for listening and caring and for reassuring me that He is the only Being wise enough, strong enough and gracious enough to do anything about this mess man’s solutions have brought us to.

Did God just Respond?

Okay. I breathe, sensing that supernatural peace God promises sweep over me. I’m good enough with that as an answer to my prayer. But, shortly after this prayer, I get this strange text message. Someone dialed up the wrong number and texted me by mistake. I ignored it. That was followed up with a voicemail that I did not listen to but read on the voicemail printout (They left their name. Hmm, looks familiar?) That was followed up with another text. At that point, out of annoyance, I texted back, “You have the wrong number, I am not ______”

That should have been the end of it.

I was about to delete the messages but the name left from the sender was so familiar. I checked the area code and it was a Washington DC number. Could it really be who I think it is? I listen to the voicemail and the voice leaves little doubt that it is who I think it is. OMG – The person mistakenly contacting me is a US Senator! One I had met decades ago.

Is this possible?

Oooh. Initially, I thought I should delete these messages. But, then I realize this might be an odd answer to my prayers – an opening God has provided to take this opportunity to address all my anger and frustration in a text back to a US Senator. My initial impulse was to rant – Go big and go ugly!

Wait. I stopped and took a breath. Do I really want to be one more voice of ugly rage? If this is really of God’s doing then I have to ask, “What would you have me text back?”

I hate long text messages but away I went. The message was still a bit of a rant. It was tough. Not trying to bash a political side but trying to expose the damage being caused by both sides. It was what God put on my heart to create awareness if there was none. Does this person know the impact they are having? A personal challenge. Here is what I texted back:

I realized who you are and want to let you know I have met you, supported you and voted for you in the past. It was an honor but now so disappointed in the disgusting vitriol of DC. I am no Trump fan but you and others behave no better. The worst part is that all the ugliness and hyper destruction of Trump directly impacts the health and welfare of the people you are supposed to serve. You can count yourself among the underlying causes of skyrocketing anxiety, overdoses and suicide. I hope the no-holds-barred struggle for political power is worth it. Be better.

I said a prayer and pushed ‘send’. That was that. I held no expectation whatsoever I’d get a response. (Other than law enforcement possibly showing up at my door).

Lo and Behold

I stood in shock staring at my phone. Unbelievably, I received a voicemail back from the Senator asking me to call to talk about my text. Oh boy. Wasn’t counting on that.

I meditated all day on what I would say and what to expect from the Senator. I expected rationale and justification, blaming Trump and the other side. I didn’t care to hear any of that. So, I prayed and called actually hoping to get voicemail. But, the Senator picked up. My heart raced.

The person who was on the other end was a weathered version of the chipper, bright-eyed, going-to-Washington-to-make-a-difference politician I had briefly met decades earlier. The voice was worn, sounding a bit broken and contrite. The Senator was genuinely struck by the text and wanting to hear more about my thoughts. The voice was not defensive but acknowledging that, “It has never been this bad.” To the Senator’s credit, not casting off blame.

We talked about our families and the Senator’s loved ones who were not immune to the anxiety and fear surging through our country.

I mentioned that I am a praying person and have always prayed for our leaders in a bi-partisan way. The Senator humbly acknowledged that it was going to take something like prayer to break through the dynamics of Washington. I said that, having now made this contact, the Senator would be in my prayers regularly.

After asking me more of my thoughts, I asked the Senator to be courageous by resisting the party line and working to change the tone in Washington. And, I would take it as a personal favor if the Senator would work to fight the epidemic of overdoses and suicides that rivals the number of actual Covid-19 deaths. Surely, this can be a bi-partisan fight?

After about 20 minutes, we wrapped up. I was stunned when the Senator invited me to stay in touch to continue sharing my thoughts. Wow!

So, now I pray for this Senator and for this open door. There is no doubt in my mind that this was no “chance” encounter but a crazy answer to prayer. Some people would count it a coincidence. But, for me the request, the timing, the opportunity and the odds tell me it could only have been arranged by the God I cried out to.

Where will it lead? I don’t want to overstep my invitation with the Senator, but I pray and hope that it is an avenue for God’s voice to continue to prick the heart. God’s voice drawing that Senator along with others to more of the healing and goodness intended from God for them and for our nation.

Perhaps, what I shared was all the message God intended. But, if it is more than what has already been shared, I’ll take your prayers that I be a purveyor of God’s truth, wisdom and hope to the hopeless in Washington DC.

Regardless of where this goes, I stand amazed at a loving God responding to my prayer in such an unimaginable way. Crying out to my God in desperation, my God offered an answer with a whisper of hope in a way that only He could orchestrate to say, “I am here.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:12-14–

This past Sunday Pastor Kevin gave a great end-of-year message entitled Letting Go & Moving On focussed on these Philippians 3 verses. (See it at http://www.blackrock.org)

Most of us would love to just forget and move on from 2020. But, following the service, our small group had a great discussion about the concept of Forgetting raised by Paul.

Firstly, I love that the Apostle Paul, one of the great pillars of our faith and writer of much of the New Testament acknowledges that he is not perfect. He does not understand it all. I certainly can relate to that. We are all figuring it out as we walk this journey of faith.

Then Paul writes of laying hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. I had always taken this to mean that it was about grabbing ahold of something God has grabbed ahold for me. But it is not “for me” it is “of me”. God has seized hold of what he created us to be. That’s what God hangs onto, not the garbage we have accumulated in our life. That’s what Paul wants to grab hold of – all of what God intended for him to be.

How does Paul say he does that? By doing one thing! Now, it appears that Paul may not be much of a math wiz when he then seems to talk of doing 2 things – 1. forgetting those things which are behind, and 2. reaching forward to those things which are ahead. But, it is actually one thing, saying that while he is reaching forward he is forgetting. They are part of the same thing like the many motions comprised of swimming or mountain climbing. As a part of propelling yourself forward you are pushing things behind.

As I get older I’m getting pretty good at practicing something that the Apostle Paul apparently excelled at. Now what was that? Oh, yes – Forgetting

More and more often I’m forgetting my keys, my glasses, my iPhone, where I left things, or, I may go to the grocery store and come home with bags of groceries but forgotten the one thing my wife asked me to get.

Unfortunately, when Paul talks of forgetting those things which are behind, he is not talking about that kind of forgetting.

I don’t know about you, but there have been plenty of experiences/episodes in my life I wish I could forget. Embarrassing moments, bad behavior, words I wish I could take back. Sometimes when I’m doing something, a completely random memory will pop into my head and I’ll just shudder with embarrassment at the thought.

I love Paul’s urging about forgetting the past. Whatever foolish, hurtful things we have done or have been done to us – whatever ways we have been hurt or damaged, just leave it behind and forget it. I love that, but it just doesn’t seem to come that easy. It is particularly hard and probably near impossible for those who have experienced sever trauma – the horrors of war or real mental, spiritual and physical abuse.

Why? For those who have been abused, the memories are seared into their sub-conscience. It may not be a matter of will-power. Or, if it is bad past experiences there are often consequences and repercussions and other people involved that cause these memories to be resurrected. It can seem inescapable. And, it seems a bit like cheap wise-guy wisdom of the world – “Hey, just fuggedaboutit!”

However, the Greek word for Forgetting – Epilanthanomai – includes in the definition “given over to oblivion” (the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening).

Depending on the context, the Greek word could be consciously or unconsciously forgetting by exertion or supernatural means. But, in this particular context, it is not a spiritual thing where a memory is magically wiped away. Paul says, this is what he does – He chooses to set his mind on that which is ahead and let the past be left behind. Paul is talking about a conscious decision. It is not a one and done but a process of forgetting.

We all know this to be true in our lives. Memory of failures and mistakes, what we have been told we can or cannot do haunt us as a reminder “I’m not going there again.” I won’t risk embarrassment and failure because of my bad experiences in the past. But what if we could just wipe away these unwanted memories from our past?

Like a Spiritual Super Power

In the movie comedy, Mystery Men– there are seven quirky amateur crime-fighters with strange powers including one who gets intensely angry, one who hurls silverware, a bowler, a shoveler, one who knocks people out by passing gas, and an invisible boy who can only become invisible when nobody is looking at him. (I think I may have a few of these powers. I’ll let you guess which ones)

I have come up with my own super hero with unique super power – Fuggedaboutit Man or Oblivious Man – A comic book super hero whose unique super power is the ability to FORGET. The Super hero can press on through any difficulty – not being burdened with the memory of any abuse or weakness or failure or embarrassment. Every moment being new and fresh with the belief that he/she can do anything regardless of past experience to the contrary, to ultimately outlast any adversary or challenge to go on to ultimate victory!

I see Paul as the original Oblivious Man.

Think of the baggage Paul had to carry around when becoming a Christian. He was a well-known enemy of the Christians participating in their pain, suffering and death. The disciples knew of Paul’s past and were seriously challenged to accept him. Think of what he had to overcome to be accepted into the Christian community and allowed to minister so powerfully.

So, how did Paul say he was able to put his past behind him? Of all the things Paul could say to do – to pray, to meditate, to strive, to study, to exert faith, to do good works, to fast, to worship or to do any of the Spiritual disciplines – In Philippians 3:13 Paul says: but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind.

So, it seems to me that Paul is indicating that to effectively forget that which is behind us we must be moving forward with all of our interest and attention on pressing on to what is ahead.

What are we reaching forward for? Paul goes on to say in verse 14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

What’s the prize?

Ephesians 2:10 NLV – For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

We strive (as Paul strived) to lay hold of that masterpiece that God sees. To be resurrected from what we see us to be to then realize that perfect creation God has made us to be – each of us unique but still a perfect reflection of Jesus. That’s the “Prize!”

Do we really see ourselves that way? Giving over to oblivion the old man/who we were – all the wounds and hurts and failures and messaging telling lies about who we can never be? All of that may have to be jettisoned in order to fully discover our true identity in Christ.

Colossians 3: 9-10 – you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

Forge is the most significant part of Forget – Are we called to forget everything? No. We are called, with God’s strength, to put that which holds us back behind us. Whatever inhibits us from moving forward to become all we were created to be in Christ Jesus. The imagery is that of climbing into a car. You hit the gas and begin driving to a new destination as your past gets smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror.

How Does God Deal With Forgetting Past Sin and Corruption?

I find it interesting that God is not forgetful – yet, even He chooses to do a similar kind of forgetting/obliterating. But, the indication is that it doesn’t just disappear. In Psalm 103:12 it says – As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. And likewise it says in Micah 7:19 – He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. Also, in John 1:29 John the Baptists declares that Jesus ‘takes away’ the sin of the world. He removes it. The Greek Airo means to bear away or carry away.

These scriptures suggest that it is still out there somewhere but in a far distant place that cannot harm us. The power and penalty of sin is removed. It does not mean it is necessarily permanently destroyed from our memory. It’s part of what God can use to turn bad into good. Circular – forgetting enables us to press forward, pressing forward leaves the old self in the dust.

God wants to heal and restore us, yet how often does God use our painful past experiences to give us compassion and understanding to bring healing to others? We use forgetting to move forward but God can use our past for His kingdom.

Finally, for the bitterness we hold towards the abuse we have faced in life Hezekiah offers in Isaiah 38:17 – “Indeed it was for my own peace That I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.” (Sounds a bit like Paul putting his past behind him.)

Thank you God for lovingly delivering my soul from the pit of corruption enabling me to become that which you have laid hold of me.

Happy New Year to all and for 2021, as we forge on for the great prize, let’s remember to forget!