Words from Bede Circuit
The way to peace – Philippians Ch4 v6-9
A lot of us are getting worried because the cases of Coronavirus are rising again, fears of another total lockdown and trying to process what is the new ‘normal’ This for many is on top of concerns about mental and physical health, losing employment, finance troubles, family traumas and so on. But St. Paul urges us not to be anxious. He tells the Philippians ‘Do not worry about anything’. This may seem an unreal piece of advice. There is no way to avoid all worry. We all naturally worry about many things. It is part of the burden we carry precisely because most of us are people who care, who care about loved ones and many other things. But Paul is not talking about normal concerns. He is talking about anxiety. Nothing is more debilitating or fruitless than anxiety. Of itself it does nothing to solve our problems. Rather the opposite is the case. By draining our energy both physically and mentally, anxiety weakens us and makes it more difficult for us to find a solution.
The root of anxiety is lack of trust – lack of trust in oneself, in others, and especially in God. Paul’s advice is to pray and commit our cares to God and urges ‘but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God’. Paul is not suggesting that prayer should take the place of action. Nor is Paul implying that our prayers will always be answered in the way that we want What does prayer do? Prayer implies a willingness to do what we can, and then leave things in the hands of God. To accept what happens as God’s will, even though we may not understand it. Not easy!
Paul tells us to try and remain positive. When we are anxious we tend to think negatively. We imagine the worst scenario. This is disastrous. We must concentrate on the good, not on the bad.
Many of us devour news coverage these days and come away feeling depressed because of all the bad and sad news. Instead of filling our minds with all kinds of negativity Paul says ‘whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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’. The power of positive thinking is essential.
However, it is not just a question of thinking nice thoughts. We must try to do these things. Thoughts alone will not suffice. We must pursue goodness in our actions. Paul says ‘Keep on doing all the things you have learned from me’. If we can do what we can, help others and put our trust in God, then Paul assures us that ‘the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus’.
At this moment in time there is a lot of talk about a ‘new normal’ - will we as the people called Methodists make sure that our new normal includes God in every part of it? If so, we will find the way to peace in the midst of our struggles and trials, as the God of peace will be with us.
Prayer:
O Lord my God,
grant us your peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest, that sabbath peace, the peace which knows no end.
St. Augustine (354-430)
Please continue to engage with the Zoom Sunday services at 10.30am and the weekly Bible studies on Philippians on Mondays 7.OOpm and Thursday 10.30am. As well, there is the Sunday worship sheet , Wednesday prayer meeting and Whypay services. Please contact the Senior Church Steward (Brenda Wallace) for more details: wesleymemchurch.pr@gmail.com
If you need any help please contact your pastoral visitor or minister.
Stay safe and well.
With good wishes and prayers on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.
Revd Huw Sperring