Week 1 – The Lord is near

Growing up, I was known as Wendy the Worrywart. Not exactly my favorite nickname (I mean, who wants to be called anything with wart in its name?), but I have to admit that it was kind of true. I was a worrier. Even as a baby, I was so worried and cautious that my mom claims I almost never even fell down, not even in the way babies tend to adorably fall on their little powdered butts. I excelled at learning to walk, almost never fell off my bike and, unlike my brothers and sisters, I never once paid a visit to the emergency room. 

This is all good, but the degree of worrying and caution it took to maintain my pristine record, was not. Since then, worry has been a constant companion, sometimes blooming into full-blown anxiety over the course of my life. All that to say, this scripture about worry is very near and dear to my heart.

Paul wrote our anti-worry scripture to the believers in the Philippian church – the first church on the European continent in that Macedonian City. I think the Philippian church must have been one of Paul’s favorites, because this book is full of affection, love and encouragement. Sometimes thought of as Paul’s joy letter for that very reason, he uses the pages of Philippians to warmly instruct, teach and encourage his fellow believers, despite the fact that the He wrote it from inside a prison in A.D. 61. But, despite his circumstances, we see the overflowing joy of Christ flowing through his pen, throughout, in the pages of his letter.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

As we dive into our scripture passage, let’s start with a bit of context by reviewing its previous verse since it sets up our scripture so beautifully. 

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

The Lord is near. In context with our scripture (beginning in the next verse), we learn that we have no reason to be anxious, because he Lord is near – you are not alone and you are not abandoned. Our scripture encourages believers to remember that simple fact and, in verses 4-6, to take advantage of it; Talk to Jesus, tell him your heart in whatever way you need to express it, and keep thankfulness on your tongue. Our scripture says that whenever you do these things with your whole heart, His peace and tranquility will be yours.

 

We can have confidence in the Lord’s presence and peace because we know that He is near. He is right there – beside you, listening and waiting.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

Sometimes we forget that the Lord is near – that he is gently pursuing us and waiting for our will to align with His. We forget that He wants to be our best friend and guide.  

 

With the stresses and requirements of daily life, it’s easy to slip out of fellowship with the Lord, but remember – when we don’t feel the Lord near, it’s not because He’s not near, but because we are not near to Him. 

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4:8

Let this knowledge of our Father’s enduring presence be the foundation for our scripture as we take the next few weeks to explore and fully digest its beautiful promise.