New and Better Peace

We are the most anxious generation that We are the most anxious generation that has ever existed in the history of the has ever existed in the history of the has ever existed in the history of the world. I always try to start my sermons world. I always try to start my sermons world. I always try to start my sermons on a positive note. on a positive note. on a positive note. We are the most anxious generation We are the most anxious generation We are the most anxious generation that has ever existed in all of human that has ever existed in all of human that has ever existed in all of human civilization. civilization. civilization. All of us. All of us. All of us. And yet Paul tells us in the passage you And yet Paul tells us in the passage you And yet Paul tells us in the passage you just heard Samantha read. Paul tells us, just heard Samantha read. Paul tells us, just heard Samantha read. Paul tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything." How "Do not be anxious about anything." How "Do not be anxious about anything." How in the world is that possible? You see, in the world is that possible? You see, in the world is that possible? You see, before I get into this, I'm going to use before I get into this, I'm going to use before I get into this, I'm going to use the word anxiety and worry a number of the word anxiety and worry a number of the word anxiety and worry a number of times in this lesson. And I got to be times in this lesson. And I got to be times in this lesson. And I got to be careful with it because that word can careful with it because that word can careful with it because that word can mean different things to us. We the word mean different things to us. We the word mean different things to us. We the word that Paul is using that I'm going to be that Paul is using that I'm going to be that Paul is using that I'm going to be using and talking about today about using and talking about today about using and talking about today about being anxious, that's something that we being anxious, that's something that we being anxious, that's something that we all experience. That's a general worry, all experience. That's a general worry, all experience. That's a general worry, a general anxiety that is in all of us a general anxiety that is in all of us a general anxiety that is in all of us in this broken, disordered world in in this broken, disordered world in in this broken, disordered world in which we live. What Paul is not talking which we live. What Paul is not talking which we live. What Paul is not talking about that we're going to cover today is about that we're going to cover today is about that we're going to cover today is is what we might understand as clinical is what we might understand as clinical is what we might understand as clinical anxiety, uh something that is anxiety, uh something that is anxiety, uh something that is physiological, something that is physiological, something that is physiological, something that is debilitating. If that is something that debilitating. If that is something that debilitating. If that is something that you are here today and you are you are here today and you are you are here today and you are struggling with, I want you to know that struggling with, I want you to know that struggling with, I want you to know that this message today applies because it this message today applies because it this message today applies because it applies to all of us, but you need more applies to all of us, but you need more applies to all of us, but you need more care and support as well. uh and and and care and support as well. uh and and and care and support as well. uh and and and the message is not about that specific the message is not about that specific the message is not about that specific type of anxiety, but we have ministries type of anxiety, but we have ministries type of anxiety, but we have ministries here in our church for that. Uh our our here in our church for that. Uh our our here in our church for that. Uh our our celebrate recovery step studies in celebrate recovery step studies in celebrate recovery step studies in September, I think September 14th on September, I think September 14th on September, I think September 14th on Monday night, we have an anxiety care Monday night, we have an anxiety care Monday night, we have an anxiety care series support group. So, I want you to series support group. So, I want you to series support group. So, I want you to know that we care about you and we want

know that we care about you and we want know that we care about you and we want to care for for for that and we have to care for for for that and we have to care for for for that and we have ministries here to serve you. But this ministries here to serve you. But this ministries here to serve you. But this passage today, it impacts all of us. You passage today, it impacts all of us. You passage today, it impacts all of us. You see, as we tend to put our trust in the see, as we tend to put our trust in the see, as we tend to put our trust in the things of the world, as we tend to put things of the world, as we tend to put things of the world, as we tend to put our trust in things that that fail us, our trust in things that that fail us, our trust in things that that fail us, the consequence of that is disorder and the consequence of that is disorder and the consequence of that is disorder and chaos within ourselves as well. And we chaos within ourselves as well. And we chaos within ourselves as well. And we that anxiety and that worry builds that anxiety and that worry builds that anxiety and that worry builds within us. And we've all experienced within us. And we've all experienced within us. And we've all experienced this. We all know it. I want you to go this. We all know it. I want you to go this. We all know it. I want you to go back to whenever you were a kid. And do back to whenever you were a kid. And do back to whenever you were a kid. And do you remember that feeling whenever you you remember that feeling whenever you you remember that feeling whenever you just thought to yourself, "Something's just thought to yourself, "Something's just thought to yourself, "Something's wrong." But I know what? When I grow up, wrong." But I know what? When I grow up, wrong." But I know what? When I grow up, then everything's going to be okay. How then everything's going to be okay. How then everything's going to be okay. How did that work out for you all? Or you did that work out for you all? Or you did that work out for you all? Or you might remember whenever you were single might remember whenever you were single might remember whenever you were single at some point in time, you're like, I at some point in time, you're like, I at some point in time, you're like, I just need someone to to share with. I just need someone to to share with. I just need someone to to share with. I just need a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a just need a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a just need a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a spouse, and then that person, they'll spouse, and then that person, they'll spouse, and then that person, they'll make me happy. They'll solve all my make me happy. They'll solve all my make me happy. They'll solve all my problems. I won't have any worries. How problems. I won't have any worries. How problems. I won't have any worries. How did that work out for all of you all?

did that work out for all of you all? did that work out for all of you all? Or one thing I see all the time here at Or one thing I see all the time here at Or one thing I see all the time here at our church is I have worked hard for our church is I have worked hard for our church is I have worked hard for decades and there's always been decades and there's always been decades and there's always been something wrong. There's always been something wrong. There's always been something wrong. There's always been something missing, but surely when I something missing, but surely when I something missing, but surely when I retire, surely then everything will be retire, surely then everything will be retire, surely then everything will be okay. That's when life will be and and okay. That's when life will be and and okay. That's when life will be and and whatever's going on will get fixed. whatever's going on will get fixed. whatever's going on will get fixed. Retirement doesn't bring the answers Retirement doesn't bring the answers Retirement doesn't bring the answers either. This one's not in the notes, but either. This one's not in the notes, but either. This one's not in the notes, but it's just one I need to do for fun. My it's just one I need to do for fun. My it's just one I need to do for fun. My favorite one at our church is this one. favorite one at our church is this one. favorite one at our church is this one. Something's wrong with our country, but Something's wrong with our country, but Something's wrong with our country, but I know what will fix it. As soon as my I know what will fix it. As soon as my I know what will fix it. As soon as my presidential candidate gets elected, presidential candidate gets elected, presidential candidate gets elected, then all will be okay. That's what the then all will be okay. That's what the then all will be okay. That's what the campaign ads say. Vote Blake and 28 and campaign ads say. Vote Blake and 28 and campaign ads say. Vote Blake and 28 and I'll make all your worries disappear. I'll make all your worries disappear. I'll make all your worries disappear. You see, whenever we whenever we put our You see, whenever we whenever we put our You see, whenever we whenever we put our trust in those things, trust in those things, trust in those things, they're going to let us down. And when they're going to let us down. And when they're going to let us down. And when the thing that we had hoped for lets us the thing that we had hoped for lets us the thing that we had hoped for lets us down, we cannot help but be worried and down, we cannot help but be worried and down, we cannot help but be worried and anxious. Especially the older and older anxious. Especially the older and older anxious. Especially the older and older we get, when we feel like we have less we get, when we feel like we have less we get, when we feel like we have less and less time to figure this whole thing and less time to figure this whole thing and less time to figure this whole thing out. And I got to tell you, the world out. And I got to tell you, the world out. And I got to tell you, the world doesn't have the answer, guys. It doesn't have the answer, guys. It doesn't have the answer, guys. It doesn't. The world will continue to feed doesn't. The world will continue to feed doesn't. The world will continue to feed you lies that this, that, or the other you lies that this, that, or the other you lies that this, that, or the other will make everything better, and it will make everything better, and it will make everything better, and it won't. The best the world has to offer won't. The best the world has to offer won't. The best the world has to offer us is to just keep selling you on the us is to just keep selling you on the us is to just keep selling you on the lie that's going to get better or to lie that's going to get better or to lie that's going to get better or to give you something that will numb the

give you something that will numb the give you something that will numb the pain. And if you don't believe me, pull pain. And if you don't believe me, pull pain. And if you don't believe me, pull out your phone and look at how many out your phone and look at how many out your phone and look at how many hours you spent on it this week. Or hours you spent on it this week. Or hours you spent on it this week. Or better yet, drive I44 to Tulsa and count better yet, drive I44 to Tulsa and count better yet, drive I44 to Tulsa and count how many billboards there are that are how many billboards there are that are how many billboards there are that are advertising products that are just meant advertising products that are just meant advertising products that are just meant to make you feel less. Now that I've got you all depressed, Now that I've got you all depressed, there is good news in this sermon. Our there is good news in this sermon. Our there is good news in this sermon. Our passage gives us good news. There is an passage gives us good news. There is an passage gives us good news. There is an answer. There is an antidote to all of answer. There is an antidote to all of answer. There is an antidote to all of this. Paul tells us in this that we can this. Paul tells us in this that we can this. Paul tells us in this that we can experience what we are calling in this experience what we are calling in this experience what we are calling in this sermon today, a new and better peace. A sermon today, a new and better peace. A sermon today, a new and better peace. A new and better peace. But that word new and better peace. But that word new and better peace. But that word peace probably means something different peace probably means something different peace probably means something different than what you think it does. And so, so than what you think it does. And so, so than what you think it does. And so, so to explain it, I want to I want to give to explain it, I want to I want to give to explain it, I want to I want to give it to frame it in a way that I think it to frame it in a way that I think it to frame it in a way that I think we'll all understand. Every mom in the we'll all understand. Every mom in the we'll all understand. Every mom in the history of moms has at one point in time history of moms has at one point in time history of moms has at one point in time looked at her kid or her kids and she looked at her kid or her kids and she looked at her kid or her kids and she says, "Mom just needs some peace and says, "Mom just needs some peace and says, "Mom just needs some peace and what?

what? what? >> Quiet." You've all heard that from your >> Quiet." You've all heard that from your >> Quiet." You've all heard that from your mom or you've said it this morning, mom or you've said it this morning, mom or you've said it this morning, haven't you? Yeah. Mom just needs some haven't you? Yeah. Mom just needs some haven't you? Yeah. Mom just needs some peace and quiet. Now, this tells us peace and quiet. Now, this tells us peace and quiet. Now, this tells us something that peace is different than something that peace is different than something that peace is different than quiet. Mom wants something more than quiet. Mom wants something more than quiet. Mom wants something more than just calm, quiet, tranquil in the house. just calm, quiet, tranquil in the house. just calm, quiet, tranquil in the house. Honestly, if you're a mom and your kids Honestly, if you're a mom and your kids Honestly, if you're a mom and your kids all of a sudden get quiet for no reason, all of a sudden get quiet for no reason, all of a sudden get quiet for no reason, there is not peace in the house. there is not peace in the house. there is not peace in the house. >> Peace implies something different. What >> Peace implies something different. What >> Peace implies something different. What what mom actually wants, what mom actually wants, what mom actually wants, she wants the kids to be doing what they she wants the kids to be doing what they she wants the kids to be doing what they ought to be doing. She wants the house ought to be doing. She wants the house ought to be doing. She wants the house to be functioning the way the house is to be functioning the way the house is to be functioning the way the house is meant to function. She's wanted to take meant to function. She's wanted to take meant to function. She's wanted to take what might have been disorder and chaos what might have been disorder and chaos what might have been disorder and chaos and bring it into order and wholeness. and bring it into order and wholeness. and bring it into order and wholeness. The biblical idea of peace is not just The biblical idea of peace is not just The biblical idea of peace is not just quiet and calm. The biblical idea of quiet and calm. The biblical idea of quiet and calm. The biblical idea of peace is wholeness. God takes the peace is wholeness. God takes the peace is wholeness. God takes the fragmented and the disordered and the fragmented and the disordered and the fragmented and the disordered and the fractured ways when we put our trust in fractured ways when we put our trust in fractured ways when we put our trust in the world and if we put our trust in the world and if we put our trust in the world and if we put our trust in him, he provides wholeness. the way him, he provides wholeness. the way him, he provides wholeness. the way things are meant to be, the way we are things are meant to be, the way we are things are meant to be, the way we are meant to function, regardless of the meant to function, regardless of the meant to function, regardless of the circumstance.

circumstance. circumstance. When we see in this passage, what you'll When we see in this passage, what you'll When we see in this passage, what you'll see today is that the antidote comes in see today is that the antidote comes in see today is that the antidote comes in this way that Paul describes it. And I'm this way that Paul describes it. And I'm this way that Paul describes it. And I'm just going to give you this this saying just going to give you this this saying just going to give you this this saying to try to remember so hopefully tomorrow to try to remember so hopefully tomorrow to try to remember so hopefully tomorrow you'll remember this sermon. And the you'll remember this sermon. And the you'll remember this sermon. And the saying is this. We bring the prayer, we saying is this. We bring the prayer, we saying is this. We bring the prayer, we bring the practice, but God brings the bring the practice, but God brings the bring the practice, but God brings the peace. peace. peace. If we are experienced disorder and chaos If we are experienced disorder and chaos If we are experienced disorder and chaos and fractured and worried and anxiety in and fractured and worried and anxiety in and fractured and worried and anxiety in our life, Paul's going to teach us how our life, Paul's going to teach us how our life, Paul's going to teach us how to pray, how to practice, and how God to pray, how to practice, and how God to pray, how to practice, and how God brings the peace that brings us into a brings the peace that brings us into a brings the peace that brings us into a way that we can possibly understand. So, way that we can possibly understand. So, way that we can possibly understand. So, let me start with what we bring to let me start with what we bring to let me start with what we bring to prayer. Let me me go back to our text. I prayer. Let me me go back to our text. I prayer. Let me me go back to our text. I want to read verses 4-6. It says this, want to read verses 4-6. It says this, want to read verses 4-6. It says this, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all for the Lord is near. be evident to all for the Lord is near. be evident to all for the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in Do not be anxious about anything, but in Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with everything by prayer and petition with everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to thanksgiving, present your requests to thanksgiving, present your requests to God. God. God. Paul's teaching us a way to pray, which Paul's teaching us a way to pray, which Paul's teaching us a way to pray, which is not just a one-time prayer, by the is not just a one-time prayer, by the is not just a one-time prayer, by the way. It's actually a way of life. It's a way. It's actually a way of life. It's a way. It's actually a way of life. It's a way of praying that will change how you way of praying that will change how you way of praying that will change how you are made up. But the prayer that he are made up. But the prayer that he are made up. But the prayer that he teaches us here has one fundamental teaches us here has one fundamental teaches us here has one fundamental truth in it that if it was not there, truth in it that if it was not there, truth in it that if it was not there, everything would change. And you see it everything would change. And you see it everything would change. And you see it in verse five. He says, "The Lord is in verse five. He says, "The Lord is in verse five. He says, "The Lord is near." The Lord is near.

near." The Lord is near. near." The Lord is near. This truth This truth This truth should change your life. should change your life. should change your life. It should change every single aspect of It should change every single aspect of It should change every single aspect of your life. Last week, you heard Bill in your life. Last week, you heard Bill in your life. Last week, you heard Bill in here preaching on a new and better here preaching on a new and better here preaching on a new and better identity. All who call on his name, all identity. All who call on his name, all identity. All who call on his name, all who put their faith in Christ become who put their faith in Christ become who put their faith in Christ become sons and daughters of Christ on high. sons and daughters of Christ on high. sons and daughters of Christ on high. And we are given a gift from that. We And we are given a gift from that. We And we are given a gift from that. We are indwelling with the Holy Spirit. God are indwelling with the Holy Spirit. God are indwelling with the Holy Spirit. God is with us through all who call on his is with us through all who call on his is with us through all who call on his name. The Lord is near. And if that is name. The Lord is near. And if that is name. The Lord is near. And if that is true, it changes things. Now, our issue true, it changes things. Now, our issue true, it changes things. Now, our issue is is that when we are going through the is is that when we are going through the is is that when we are going through the trials and the turmoils of life, it is trials and the turmoils of life, it is trials and the turmoils of life, it is very very difficult for us to feel that very very difficult for us to feel that very very difficult for us to feel that God is near. And when we don't feel it, God is near. And when we don't feel it, God is near. And when we don't feel it, we tend to doubt it. And then we start we tend to doubt it. And then we start we tend to doubt it. And then we start trusting in the things we can control. trusting in the things we can control. trusting in the things we can control. We start trusting in the ways of the We start trusting in the ways of the We start trusting in the ways of the world instead of the ways of God. But world instead of the ways of God. But world instead of the ways of God. But the Lord is near. That's a promise he's the Lord is near. That's a promise he's the Lord is near. That's a promise he's made and he keeps his promises. One of made and he keeps his promises. One of made and he keeps his promises. One of the ways I love to think about this idea the ways I love to think about this idea the ways I love to think about this idea is in actually Bill Search's favorite is in actually Bill Search's favorite is in actually Bill Search's favorite book. It's called The Horse and His Boy book. It's called The Horse and His Boy book. It's called The Horse and His Boy by CS Lewis. Some of you I'm seeing a by CS Lewis. Some of you I'm seeing a by CS Lewis. Some of you I'm seeing a few of you nod like a few of you have few of you nod like a few of you have few of you nod like a few of you have read this before. It's in the Chronicles read this before. It's in the Chronicles read this before. It's in the Chronicles of Narnia Syria series. And in this of Narnia Syria series. And in this of Narnia Syria series. And in this book, there's this young boy who is book, there's this young boy who is book, there's this young boy who is being asked to do something that is hard being asked to do something that is hard being asked to do something that is hard that he should not be asked to do. And that he should not be asked to do. And that he should not be asked to do. And he is he is traveling through the night he is he is traveling through the night he is he is traveling through the night in a deep fog, in a deep darkness. And

in a deep fog, in a deep darkness. And in a deep fog, in a deep darkness. And through the night, he is scared. He through the night, he is scared. He through the night, he is scared. He feels a little sorry for himself. Uh he feels a little sorry for himself. Uh he feels a little sorry for himself. Uh he doesn't know what's going to happen. He doesn't know what's going to happen. He doesn't know what's going to happen. He is lonely. And he's walking into the is lonely. And he's walking into the is lonely. And he's walking into the darkness up this mountain. And all of a darkness up this mountain. And all of a darkness up this mountain. And all of a sudden, he hears a voice come up next to sudden, he hears a voice come up next to sudden, he hears a voice come up next to him. And the voice startles him. and him. And the voice startles him. and him. And the voice startles him. and scares him. But the voice eventually scares him. But the voice eventually scares him. But the voice eventually says, "Tell me all your sorrows." says, "Tell me all your sorrows." says, "Tell me all your sorrows." And he begins to talk to the boy all And he begins to talk to the boy all And he begins to talk to the boy all throughout the night. And the the voice throughout the night. And the the voice throughout the night. And the the voice eventually is going to let let the boy eventually is going to let let the boy eventually is going to let let the boy know that he is the lion Alan, the god know that he is the lion Alan, the god know that he is the lion Alan, the god figure in the book. And he helps the boy figure in the book. And he helps the boy figure in the book. And he helps the boy understand how he has been there through understand how he has been there through understand how he has been there through all different types trials of his life. all different types trials of his life. all different types trials of his life. The things that the boy thought were The things that the boy thought were The things that the boy thought were bad, the lion had used for good. And he bad, the lion had used for good. And he bad, the lion had used for good. And he just talks to him and stays near all just talks to him and stays near all just talks to him and stays near all throughout the darkness. And it's not throughout the darkness. And it's not throughout the darkness. And it's not until the boy comes to the the morning until the boy comes to the the morning until the boy comes to the the morning sun and he can see his trail that he had sun and he can see his trail that he had sun and he can see his trail that he had gone on that he realizes that one of the gone on that he realizes that one of the gone on that he realizes that one of the things the lion did was to stay by his things the lion did was to stay by his things the lion did was to stay by his side and to keep him from falling off side and to keep him from falling off side and to keep him from falling off the cliff which he did not know was the cliff which he did not know was the cliff which he did not know was there. The Lord is near.

there. The Lord is near. there. The Lord is near. Now it'd be really cool if we had a lion Now it'd be really cool if we had a lion Now it'd be really cool if we had a lion who talked to us, right? Like that would who talked to us, right? Like that would who talked to us, right? Like that would be awesome. Like I could go for that. I be awesome. Like I could go for that. I be awesome. Like I could go for that. I could go for Alan being my sidekick could go for Alan being my sidekick could go for Alan being my sidekick every time I needed something and but we every time I needed something and but we every time I needed something and but we don't get that. If you do have a lion don't get that. If you do have a lion don't get that. If you do have a lion come and talk to you, please come pray come and talk to you, please come pray come and talk to you, please come pray with us after class, right? So, with us after class, right? So, with us after class, right? So, we don't get that. So, how do we know we don't get that. So, how do we know we don't get that. So, how do we know that the Lord is near? How does the Lord that the Lord is near? How does the Lord that the Lord is near? How does the Lord work in that way? And here's like one of work in that way? And here's like one of work in that way? And here's like one of the most beautiful things about the the most beautiful things about the the most beautiful things about the church. You know, he uses you, right? church. You know, he uses you, right? church. You know, he uses you, right? You have the Holy Spirit dwelling within You have the Holy Spirit dwelling within You have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you through your faithfulness. You are you through your faithfulness. You are you through your faithfulness. You are the Lord's presence to so many different the Lord's presence to so many different the Lord's presence to so many different people. One of the pastors here at the people. One of the pastors here at the people. One of the pastors here at the church was telling me about a time that church was telling me about a time that church was telling me about a time that he felt the presence of God in one of he felt the presence of God in one of he felt the presence of God in one of the most remarkable ways. And I'm not the most remarkable ways. And I'm not the most remarkable ways. And I'm not supposed to use his name, but it rhymes supposed to use his name, but it rhymes supposed to use his name, but it rhymes with Randy Moshov. Uh so, but he was in with Randy Moshov. Uh so, but he was in with Randy Moshov. Uh so, but he was in a dark place. He was at his mom's a dark place. He was at his mom's a dark place. He was at his mom's hospital bed in California as she lay hospital bed in California as she lay hospital bed in California as she lay dying. And some of you know her.

dying. And some of you know her. dying. And some of you know her. And he was mad. He was angry. He was And he was mad. He was angry. He was And he was mad. He was angry. He was calling out to God. He was in the calling out to God. He was in the calling out to God. He was in the darkness in that moment. darkness in that moment. darkness in that moment. And all of a sudden, in walked someone And all of a sudden, in walked someone And all of a sudden, in walked someone into that hospital room in California. into that hospital room in California. into that hospital room in California. And it wasn't a staff member of the And it wasn't a staff member of the And it wasn't a staff member of the church. It wasn't a pastor of the church. It wasn't a pastor of the church. It wasn't a pastor of the church. It wasn't me. It was one of you. church. It wasn't me. It was one of you. church. It wasn't me. It was one of you. One of you traveled out there. One of One of you traveled out there. One of One of you traveled out there. One of you was the presence of God for him in you was the presence of God for him in you was the presence of God for him in that moment. The Lord works in some of that moment. The Lord works in some of that moment. The Lord works in some of the most remarkable ways. And so if the the most remarkable ways. And so if the the most remarkable ways. And so if the Lord is near, if that is true, which I Lord is near, if that is true, which I Lord is near, if that is true, which I assure you it is, even if you don't feel assure you it is, even if you don't feel assure you it is, even if you don't feel it, how should we then respond? it, how should we then respond? it, how should we then respond? Paul tells us in this, we rejoice. We Paul tells us in this, we rejoice. We Paul tells us in this, we rejoice. We rejoice in the Lord always. I say it rejoice in the Lord always. I say it rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice. again, rejoice. again, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to Let your gentleness be known to Let your gentleness be known to everyone, for the Lord is near. everyone, for the Lord is near. everyone, for the Lord is near. If God is with you, no matter what If God is with you, no matter what If God is with you, no matter what you're going through, you have the you're going through, you have the you're going through, you have the privilege of sons and daughters of God privilege of sons and daughters of God privilege of sons and daughters of God on high, of rejoicing in any on high, of rejoicing in any on high, of rejoicing in any circumstance.

circumstance. circumstance. And then Paul tells us this crazy And then Paul tells us this crazy And then Paul tells us this crazy command, don't be anxious about command, don't be anxious about command, don't be anxious about anything. It's easier said than done, anything. It's easier said than done, anything. It's easier said than done, right? Don't be anxious about anything. right? Don't be anxious about anything. right? Don't be anxious about anything. But have you noticed that you can never But have you noticed that you can never But have you noticed that you can never ever just stop doing anything? Like, ever just stop doing anything? Like, ever just stop doing anything? Like, have you ever tried to stop being bored have you ever tried to stop being bored have you ever tried to stop being bored before? It It doesn't work very well, before? It It doesn't work very well, before? It It doesn't work very well, right? You can't just stop it. What do right? You can't just stop it. What do right? You can't just stop it. What do you do? You have to do something about you do? You have to do something about you do? You have to do something about it. You have to take off this and put on it. You have to take off this and put on it. You have to take off this and put on this. And that's what Paul's telling us this. And that's what Paul's telling us this. And that's what Paul's telling us to do right here. He says, "Don't be to do right here. He says, "Don't be to do right here. He says, "Don't be anxious about anything. Take that off anxious about anything. Take that off anxious about anything. Take that off and instead put on this." He says, "But and instead put on this." He says, "But and instead put on this." He says, "But in everything by prayer and petition in everything by prayer and petition in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests with thanksgiving, present your requests with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Do you see how different that to God." Do you see how different that to God." Do you see how different that is from trusting in the world? When is from trusting in the world? When is from trusting in the world? When you're trusting in the world, you're you're trusting in the world, you're you're trusting in the world, you're trusting in the things you can control, trusting in the things you can control, trusting in the things you can control, the things you can see. You're taking the things you can see. You're taking the things you can see. You're taking action for your own things. You're action for your own things. You're action for your own things. You're determining what it is that's going to determining what it is that's going to determining what it is that's going to fix your problems. And that results in fix your problems. And that results in fix your problems. And that results in anxiety, worry, stress, chaos, disorder.

anxiety, worry, stress, chaos, disorder. anxiety, worry, stress, chaos, disorder. But this prayer is saying, "God, God is But this prayer is saying, "God, God is But this prayer is saying, "God, God is near to you. He knows what you need. near to you. He knows what you need. near to you. He knows what you need. Don't be anxious. Come to him. Focus on Don't be anxious. Come to him. Focus on Don't be anxious. Come to him. Focus on him. Bring your prayers and petitions to him. Bring your prayers and petitions to him. Bring your prayers and petitions to him." This is how we start to see this him." This is how we start to see this him." This is how we start to see this actually play out. And Paul goes on in actually play out. And Paul goes on in actually play out. And Paul goes on in this. He says, "Hey, we bring the this. He says, "Hey, we bring the this. He says, "Hey, we bring the prayer. We and not just once. This is a prayer. We and not just once. This is a prayer. We and not just once. This is a prayer. This is a type of prayer. This prayer. This is a type of prayer. This prayer. This is a type of prayer. This is how we live. But we also bring the is how we live. But we also bring the is how we live. But we also bring the practice." Let me read Philippians 4 practice." Let me read Philippians 4 practice." Let me read Philippians 4 8-9. He says, "Finally, brothers, 8-9. He says, "Finally, brothers, 8-9. He says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is whatever is lovely, whatever is whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellence or admirable, if anything is excellence or admirable, if anything is excellence or praiseworthy, think about such things." praiseworthy, think about such things." praiseworthy, think about such things." Think about such things. Think about such things. Think about such things. What Paul's saying in this text is he's What Paul's saying in this text is he's What Paul's saying in this text is he's actually talked about disciplining our actually talked about disciplining our actually talked about disciplining our minds. minds. minds. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> This is it's it's a let me make sure I >> This is it's it's a let me make sure I >> This is it's it's a let me make sure I explain that. explain that. explain that. He is saying you need to change the way He is saying you need to change the way He is saying you need to change the way you think you think you think >> in a way that it will change not just >> in a way that it will change not just >> in a way that it will change not just how you think but your attitudes, your how you think but your attitudes, your how you think but your attitudes, your actions, your behaviors, your very actions, your behaviors, your very actions, your behaviors, your very character of who you are. You need to character of who you are. You need to character of who you are. You need to change to think not on the things of the change to think not on the things of the change to think not on the things of the world.

world. world. >> Don't put your trust in that. But as you >> Don't put your trust in that. But as you >> Don't put your trust in that. But as you put your trust and you think on the put your trust and you think on the put your trust and you think on the things of God and you do what God tells things of God and you do what God tells things of God and you do what God tells us to do, you start to become more like us to do, you start to become more like us to do, you start to become more like him. Here at this church, we talk about him. Here at this church, we talk about him. Here at this church, we talk about what it means to find and follow Jesus. what it means to find and follow Jesus. what it means to find and follow Jesus. This is part of following Jesus, This is part of following Jesus, This is part of following Jesus, >> right? God actually, this is this is a >> right? God actually, this is this is a >> right? God actually, this is this is a crazy thought. crazy thought. crazy thought. God actually is pretty serious about us God actually is pretty serious about us God actually is pretty serious about us doing what he says to do, right? I mean, doing what he says to do, right? I mean, doing what he says to do, right? I mean, I know it's it's like insane, right? But I know it's it's like insane, right? But I know it's it's like insane, right? But here's the reason. It's not because he here's the reason. It's not because he here's the reason. It's not because he wants us to fill out the checklist. It's wants us to fill out the checklist. It's wants us to fill out the checklist. It's not because he he wants us to um to just not because he he wants us to um to just not because he he wants us to um to just put us on the honor roll or anything put us on the honor roll or anything put us on the honor roll or anything like that. He wants us to do what he like that. He wants us to do what he like that. He wants us to do what he tells us to do because it's good for us tells us to do because it's good for us tells us to do because it's good for us and he loves us. and he loves us. and he loves us. >> As we turn our mind to the ways of God >> As we turn our mind to the ways of God >> As we turn our mind to the ways of God by reading his word, by praying, by by reading his word, by praying, by by reading his word, by praying, by worshiping, by fellowshipping, by worshiping, by fellowshipping, by worshiping, by fellowshipping, by serving, by doing the things God calls serving, by doing the things God calls serving, by doing the things God calls us to do, you know what happens? All of us to do, you know what happens? All of us to do, you know what happens? All of a sudden, we actually change what we a sudden, we actually change what we a sudden, we actually change what we worry about because we actually don't worry about because we actually don't worry about because we actually don't care about the things we once cared care about the things we once cared care about the things we once cared about. We care about other things.

about. We care about other things. about. We care about other things. >> We have different thoughts. We have >> We have different thoughts. We have >> We have different thoughts. We have different affections, different desires. different affections, different desires. different affections, different desires. As we put in the things of God, we As we put in the things of God, we As we put in the things of God, we become more like God. One of the one of become more like God. One of the one of become more like God. One of the one of the crazy illustrations of this is um the crazy illustrations of this is um the crazy illustrations of this is um you all have all heard of the term you all have all heard of the term you all have all heard of the term doomcrolling before. Have you ever heard doomcrolling before. Have you ever heard doomcrolling before. Have you ever heard Okay, let me explain doom scrolling. So, Okay, let me explain doom scrolling. So, Okay, let me explain doom scrolling. So, if you have your phone and and you get if you have your phone and and you get if you have your phone and and you get on social media, doom scrolling is a way on social media, doom scrolling is a way on social media, doom scrolling is a way that the world numbs us to the pains of that the world numbs us to the pains of that the world numbs us to the pains of life. And so, we get on our phone and we life. And so, we get on our phone and we life. And so, we get on our phone and we we it would be much helpful if I we it would be much helpful if I we it would be much helpful if I actually had my phone with me. Uh, but actually had my phone with me. Uh, but actually had my phone with me. Uh, but pretend like this is my phone. We get on pretend like this is my phone. We get on pretend like this is my phone. We get on our phone and we click on things. We our phone and we click on things. We our phone and we click on things. We click on things. We click on things and click on things. We click on things and click on things. We click on things and then we click on things that make us then we click on things that make us then we click on things that make us angry. And then we click on things that angry. And then we click on things that angry. And then we click on things that make us anxious. And all of a sudden we make us anxious. And all of a sudden we make us anxious. And all of a sudden we are doomcrolling. We are getting into are doomcrolling. We are getting into are doomcrolling. We are getting into the pit of despair and we are angry and the pit of despair and we are angry and the pit of despair and we are angry and anxious and worried about all kinds of anxious and worried about all kinds of anxious and worried about all kinds of things and we spent four hours doing it things and we spent four hours doing it things and we spent four hours doing it and no good has come to it. That is doom and no good has come to it. That is doom and no good has come to it. That is doom scrolling. Well, there's a group of scrolling. Well, there's a group of scrolling. Well, there's a group of people in the world now who are trying people in the world now who are trying people in the world now who are trying to do something they call bloomcrolling.

to do something they call bloomcrolling. to do something they call bloomcrolling. Bloom scrolling. It's meant to be the Bloom scrolling. It's meant to be the Bloom scrolling. It's meant to be the exact opposite of doom scrolling. What exact opposite of doom scrolling. What exact opposite of doom scrolling. What they're doing is they're taking their they're doing is they're taking their they're doing is they're taking their phones and they're just clicking on phones and they're just clicking on phones and they're just clicking on happy things and they're sharing happy happy things and they're sharing happy happy things and they're sharing happy things, joyful things, and they're things, joyful things, and they're things, joyful things, and they're hoping to rewire their social media hoping to rewire their social media hoping to rewire their social media algorithms so that all they see is the algorithms so that all they see is the algorithms so that all they see is the lovely and the friendly and the happy. lovely and the friendly and the happy. lovely and the friendly and the happy. And God bless their hearts. They're And God bless their hearts. They're And God bless their hearts. They're missing the point of life. But I do missing the point of life. But I do missing the point of life. But I do appreciate what they're trying to do. appreciate what they're trying to do. appreciate what they're trying to do. They're trying to rewire their social They're trying to rewire their social They're trying to rewire their social media algorithms. media algorithms. media algorithms. That's what Paul is telling us to do That's what Paul is telling us to do That's what Paul is telling us to do with our minds, with our souls, with our with our minds, with our souls, with our with our minds, with our souls, with our character. He's saying, "Put in the character. He's saying, "Put in the character. He's saying, "Put in the things of God, things of God, things of God, and then you become more like him. You and then you become more like him. You and then you become more like him. You change into what he is trying to get you change into what he is trying to get you change into what he is trying to get you to do." I can give you one example of to do." I can give you one example of to do." I can give you one example of one little bitty practice one little bitty practice one little bitty practice that you could bring each morning that I that you could bring each morning that I that you could bring each morning that I promise you will change your life. Now, promise you will change your life. Now, promise you will change your life. Now, I want you real quick. The promises of I want you real quick. The promises of I want you real quick. The promises of God will never fail you. The promises of God will never fail you. The promises of God will never fail you. The promises of Blake Dasson may fail you. Okay? So, but Blake Dasson may fail you. Okay? So, but Blake Dasson may fail you. Okay? So, but this one thing you could do could change this one thing you could do could change this one thing you could do could change your life. When you wake up each your life. When you wake up each your life. When you wake up each morning, before you grab your phone, and morning, before you grab your phone, and morning, before you grab your phone, and when you grab your phone, it's going to when you grab your phone, it's going to when you grab your phone, it's going to be all about you. It's designed to be be all about you. It's designed to be be all about you. It's designed to be all about you. Before you grab your all about you. Before you grab your all about you. Before you grab your phone, if you're able, hit your knees phone, if you're able, hit your knees phone, if you're able, hit your knees somewhere quiet and you pray this somewhere quiet and you pray this somewhere quiet and you pray this prayer. Not my will be done, but thy prayer. Not my will be done, but thy prayer. Not my will be done, but thy will be done today. Not my will be done, will be done today. Not my will be done, will be done today. Not my will be done, but thy will be done today. Do you see but thy will be done today. Do you see but thy will be done today. Do you see how that little practice actually how that little practice actually how that little practice actually changes everything about your day? Your

changes everything about your day? Your changes everything about your day? Your day want started with it being all about day want started with it being all about day want started with it being all about you, which is what the world wants you you, which is what the world wants you you, which is what the world wants you to do, which will end with worry, to do, which will end with worry, to do, which will end with worry, anxiety, chaos, disorder. that God anxiety, chaos, disorder. that God anxiety, chaos, disorder. that God brings wholeness to our lives when we brings wholeness to our lives when we brings wholeness to our lives when we actually turn our minds to the one who actually turn our minds to the one who actually turn our minds to the one who will never fail us to start our day and will never fail us to start our day and will never fail us to start our day and to live out our day. I've actually to live out our day. I've actually to live out our day. I've actually proved that this is true. My um my proved that this is true. My um my proved that this is true. My um my lovely wife, uh Kimberly is three months lovely wife, uh Kimberly is three months lovely wife, uh Kimberly is three months away from me officially having to refer away from me officially having to refer away from me officially having to refer to her as Dr. Kimberly Baston. And I to her as Dr. Kimberly Baston. And I to her as Dr. Kimberly Baston. And I know, give her a round of applause. know, give her a round of applause. know, give her a round of applause. She's right over there. You want to She's right over there. You want to She's right over there. You want to embarrass her [applause] embarrass her [applause] embarrass her [applause] now? She has promised me that I'm only now? She has promised me that I'm only now? She has promised me that I'm only going to have to call her Dr. Kimberly going to have to call her Dr. Kimberly going to have to call her Dr. Kimberly Basson when we're in an argument. Right. Basson when we're in an argument. Right. Basson when we're in an argument. Right. But But But but what she has been doing for the last but what she has been doing for the last but what she has been doing for the last few years as an educator, she's been few years as an educator, she's been few years as an educator, she's been studying whether or not bringing the studying whether or not bringing the studying whether or not bringing the practice, whether or not spiritual practice, whether or not spiritual practice, whether or not spiritual practices in K through2 education have practices in K through2 education have practices in K through2 education have an impact on the character outcomes of an impact on the character outcomes of an impact on the character outcomes of adults. Not what was their ACT scores, adults. Not what was their ACT scores, adults. Not what was their ACT scores, not what was their income, but who did not what was their income, but who did not what was their income, but who did they become?

they become? they become? Did they become more like Christ or not? Did they become more like Christ or not? Did they become more like Christ or not? And you know what she found? It does, And you know what she found? It does, And you know what she found? It does, right? Bringing the practice. It creates right? Bringing the practice. It creates right? Bringing the practice. It creates in us something more. It makes us into in us something more. It makes us into in us something more. It makes us into more of what we're called to be. God more of what we're called to be. God more of what we're called to be. God brings wholeness as we trust him with brings wholeness as we trust him with brings wholeness as we trust him with our prayer and we trust him with our our prayer and we trust him with our our prayer and we trust him with our practice. practice. practice. The issue we have honestly is that The issue we have honestly is that The issue we have honestly is that it is really, really, really hard to it is really, really, really hard to it is really, really, really hard to trust God when we're going through it. trust God when we're going through it. trust God when we're going through it. >> And like we we pray for you each week. >> And like we we pray for you each week. >> And like we we pray for you each week. We know what you're going through. We know what you're going through. We know what you're going through. We pray for the cancer diagnosis. We pray for the cancer diagnosis. We pray for the cancer diagnosis. We pray for the illnesses in your We pray for the illnesses in your We pray for the illnesses in your family. We pray for the job losses. We family. We pray for the job losses. We family. We pray for the job losses. We pray for the evictions. We pray for the pray for the evictions. We pray for the pray for the evictions. We pray for the children you have who have abandoned children you have who have abandoned children you have who have abandoned their faith. their faith. their faith. We know what you're going through. We know what you're going through. We know what you're going through. It's hard in those moments when those It's hard in those moments when those It's hard in those moments when those waves are crashing against you to trust waves are crashing against you to trust waves are crashing against you to trust in something you cannot see. Peter, in something you cannot see. Peter, in something you cannot see. Peter, Peter steps out of the boat and Jesus, Peter steps out of the boat and Jesus, Peter steps out of the boat and Jesus, the creator of the universe, is right in the creator of the universe, is right in the creator of the universe, is right in front of him saying, "Walk to me, front of him saying, "Walk to me, front of him saying, "Walk to me, Peter." And Peter can't help but be Peter." And Peter can't help but be Peter." And Peter can't help but be distracted from the waves crashing all distracted from the waves crashing all distracted from the waves crashing all around him. How much more so difficult around him. How much more so difficult around him. How much more so difficult is it for you to trust that the Lord is is it for you to trust that the Lord is is it for you to trust that the Lord is near and that he cares for you and that near and that he cares for you and that near and that he cares for you and that he wants you to bring this type of he wants you to bring this type of he wants you to bring this type of prayer? He wants you to bring this type prayer? He wants you to bring this type prayer? He wants you to bring this type of practice. How difficult is it?

of practice. How difficult is it? of practice. How difficult is it? But I told you God doesn't break his But I told you God doesn't break his But I told you God doesn't break his promises. He keeps his promises. No promises. He keeps his promises. No promises. He keeps his promises. No matter what circumstance you're going matter what circumstance you're going matter what circumstance you're going through, our God is a God who keeps his through, our God is a God who keeps his through, our God is a God who keeps his promises. promises. promises. One of my favorite stories about this One of my favorite stories about this One of my favorite stories about this is, and I I think about this book all is, and I I think about this book all is, and I I think about this book all the time. It's called The Hiding Place, the time. It's called The Hiding Place, the time. It's called The Hiding Place, and it's a story of these two and it's a story of these two and it's a story of these two middle-aged women during World War II. middle-aged women during World War II. middle-aged women during World War II. They're Christians and their sisters. They're Christians and their sisters. They're Christians and their sisters. And during World War II, they're helping And during World War II, they're helping And during World War II, they're helping Jewish people escape Nazi persecution. Jewish people escape Nazi persecution. Jewish people escape Nazi persecution. And they do this remarkable job. But And they do this remarkable job. But And they do this remarkable job. But eventually, they get caught and they get eventually, they get caught and they get eventually, they get caught and they get arrested, they get beaten, they get arrested, they get beaten, they get arrested, they get beaten, they get tortured, and they get sent to a tortured, and they get sent to a tortured, and they get sent to a concentration camp. And before they go concentration camp. And before they go concentration camp. And before they go into the barracks of their concentration into the barracks of their concentration into the barracks of their concentration camp, before they go into barrack 28, camp, before they go into barrack 28, camp, before they go into barrack 28, they have smuggled in this little Bible. they have smuggled in this little Bible. they have smuggled in this little Bible. And they're so thankful for the Bible. And they're so thankful for the Bible. And they're so thankful for the Bible. And they open up the Bible and they read And they open up the Bible and they read And they open up the Bible and they read their passage that day. And the passage their passage that day. And the passage their passage that day. And the passage tells them to do exactly what we've tells them to do exactly what we've tells them to do exactly what we've talked about today. It tells them to talked about today. It tells them to talked about today. It tells them to rejoice, to give thanks in all rejoice, to give thanks in all rejoice, to give thanks in all circumstances, to trust in the power and circumstances, to trust in the power and circumstances, to trust in the power and the goodness of a holy and loving the goodness of a holy and loving the goodness of a holy and loving father. And they take God at his word father. And they take God at his word father. And they take God at his word that he means what he says he means. And that he means what he says he means. And that he means what he says he means. And so they do that.

so they do that. so they do that. Even though they walk into Bareric 28 Even though they walk into Bareric 28 Even though they walk into Bareric 28 and it's overcrowded and the straw sacks and it's overcrowded and the straw sacks and it's overcrowded and the straw sacks that they're going to be sleeping on are that they're going to be sleeping on are that they're going to be sleeping on are rancid and it's covered with fleas, rancid and it's covered with fleas, rancid and it's covered with fleas, they give thanks. they give thanks. they give thanks. They give thanks that they're together. They give thanks that they're together. They give thanks that they're together. They give thanks that they got the Bible They give thanks that they got the Bible They give thanks that they got the Bible in. What a miracle that was. They give in. What a miracle that was. They give in. What a miracle that was. They give thanks that the barracks are overcrowded thanks that the barracks are overcrowded thanks that the barracks are overcrowded because maybe, just maybe, it means that because maybe, just maybe, it means that because maybe, just maybe, it means that God will will help other women there God will will help other women there God will will help other women there come to know his love through their come to know his love through their come to know his love through their faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. And God told them to give thanks in And God told them to give thanks in And God told them to give thanks in every circumstance. So, they even found every circumstance. So, they even found every circumstance. So, they even found themselves thanking God for the fleas. Well, Well, something happened during that time. The something happened during that time. The something happened during that time. The two women, they started praying and they two women, they started praying and they two women, they started praying and they started bringing their practice and they started bringing their practice and they started bringing their practice and they started holding worship services and started holding worship services and started holding worship services and they started holding Bible studies in they started holding Bible studies in they started holding Bible studies in the overcrowded barrack 28. And then the overcrowded barrack 28. And then the overcrowded barrack 28. And then eventually the word of God started eventually the word of God started eventually the word of God started getting translated into all kinds of getting translated into all kinds of getting translated into all kinds of different languages of all the women who different languages of all the women who different languages of all the women who had been there from Europe. They started had been there from Europe. They started had been there from Europe. They started seeing miracles occur. They started seeing miracles occur. They started seeing miracles occur. They started seeing joy in the hearts of all the seeing joy in the hearts of all the seeing joy in the hearts of all the people. They started seeing repentance people. They started seeing repentance people. They started seeing repentance and wholeness and wholeness and wholeness brought in the midst of the biggest brought in the midst of the biggest brought in the midst of the biggest disorder, the biggest fragmentation, disorder, the biggest fragmentation, disorder, the biggest fragmentation, biggest fracturing you could ever biggest fracturing you could ever biggest fracturing you could ever imagine. They saw God bring wholeness to imagine. They saw God bring wholeness to imagine. They saw God bring wholeness to Bareric 28.

They could not understand They could not understand why God was able to do all he could. why God was able to do all he could. why God was able to do all he could. They took him at his word. And so day by They took him at his word. And so day by They took him at his word. And so day by day, they didn't just do this once. They day, they didn't just do this once. They day, they didn't just do this once. They made it a way of life. They brought this made it a way of life. They brought this made it a way of life. They brought this type of prayer. They brought this type type of prayer. They brought this type type of prayer. They brought this type of practice. And they trusted God to of practice. And they trusted God to of practice. And they trusted God to bring the peace. They trusted God to bring the peace. They trusted God to bring the peace. They trusted God to bring the peace. Because if you look at bring the peace. Because if you look at bring the peace. Because if you look at this passage, what you see in verse 7 is this passage, what you see in verse 7 is this passage, what you see in verse 7 is that after the prayer, it is the peace that after the prayer, it is the peace that after the prayer, it is the peace of God which transcends all of God which transcends all of God which transcends all understanding that guards our hearts and understanding that guards our hearts and understanding that guards our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. And if you our minds in Christ Jesus. And if you our minds in Christ Jesus. And if you look in verse 9, you see that it is the look in verse 9, you see that it is the look in verse 9, you see that it is the God of peace who will be with you. What God of peace who will be with you. What God of peace who will be with you. What they found is that it was not them who they found is that it was not them who they found is that it was not them who were called to bring the peace. All they were called to bring the peace. All they were called to bring the peace. All they were called to do was be faithful. were called to do was be faithful. were called to do was be faithful. >> All they were called to do is pray the >> All they were called to do is pray the >> All they were called to do is pray the way they've been called to pray, to way they've been called to pray, to way they've been called to pray, to practice the way they called to practice the way they called to practice the way they called to practice, but it was God and his power practice, but it was God and his power practice, but it was God and his power that would bring his peace no matter that would bring his peace no matter that would bring his peace no matter where they were. where they were. where they were. >> Even in Barrett 28. And the passage >> Even in Barrett 28. And the passage >> Even in Barrett 28. And the passage tells us that our God works in ways that tells us that our God works in ways that tells us that our God works in ways that transcend all of our understanding. We transcend all of our understanding. We transcend all of our understanding. We don't always know what God's up to. We don't always know what God's up to. We don't always know what God's up to. We just have to trust that he is near and just have to trust that he is near and just have to trust that he is near and that he is good and that he is a God who that he is good and that he is a God who that he is good and that he is a God who will keep his promises.

will keep his promises. will keep his promises. You know, those two sisters never You know, those two sisters never You know, those two sisters never understood why the the guards would understood why the the guards would understood why the the guards would allow them to worship in the camp. They allow them to worship in the camp. They allow them to worship in the camp. They didn't understand why they allow them to didn't understand why they allow them to didn't understand why they allow them to hold those Bible studies. Those were not hold those Bible studies. Those were not hold those Bible studies. Those were not allowed in concentration camps. People allowed in concentration camps. People allowed in concentration camps. People were killed for that. Why, oh why, oh were killed for that. Why, oh why, oh were killed for that. Why, oh why, oh why would those guards allow them to do why would those guards allow them to do why would those guards allow them to do it? One day they finally found out why. it? One day they finally found out why. it? One day they finally found out why. They overheard the guards talking. You They overheard the guards talking. You They overheard the guards talking. You see, they were afraid to come into see, they were afraid to come into see, they were afraid to come into Barrett 28 because of the fleas. Our God works in a way that transcends Our God works in a way that transcends all our understanding. all our understanding. all our understanding. I know you can't always feel his I know you can't always feel his I know you can't always feel his presence, but if you have called upon presence, but if you have called upon presence, but if you have called upon his name, he is near. his name, he is near. his name, he is near. And so, let's trust him. Let's bring the And so, let's trust him. Let's bring the And so, let's trust him. Let's bring the prayer as a way of life that he calls us prayer as a way of life that he calls us prayer as a way of life that he calls us to bring, let's bring the practice. to bring, let's bring the practice. to bring, let's bring the practice. Let's do what he calls us to do. And Let's do what he calls us to do. And Let's do what he calls us to do. And then all that disorder, all that worry, then all that disorder, all that worry, then all that disorder, all that worry, all that anxiety, even if our all that anxiety, even if our all that anxiety, even if our circumstances don't change, we allow God circumstances don't change, we allow God circumstances don't change, we allow God to bring us his peace and his wholeness.

to bring us his peace and his wholeness. to bring us his peace and his wholeness. no matter what we're dealing with in our no matter what we're dealing with in our no matter what we're dealing with in our life. I'm gonna pray over you. I'm just life. I'm gonna pray over you. I'm just life. I'm gonna pray over you. I'm just going to pray a blessing over you. I going to pray a blessing over you. I going to pray a blessing over you. I want to pray this blessing solely for want to pray this blessing solely for want to pray this blessing solely for this reason. I want you to know that God this reason. I want you to know that God this reason. I want you to know that God has always desired to give you this gift has always desired to give you this gift has always desired to give you this gift of his peace. Let me pray. Lord, bless them and keep them. Lord, bless them and keep them. May your face shine upon them and be May your face shine upon them and be May your face shine upon them and be gracious to them. gracious to them. gracious to them. The Lord, turn your face towards these The Lord, turn your face towards these The Lord, turn your face towards these people sitting here right now. Turn your people sitting here right now. Turn your people sitting here right now. Turn your face to everyone who is watching online. face to everyone who is watching online. face to everyone who is watching online. Turn your face toward all who call on Turn your face toward all who call on Turn your face toward all who call on your name your name your name >> and give them your peace. >> and give them your peace. >> and give them your peace. >> In Jesus name we pray. Amen.