Navigating the Mysteries of Faith预览

A Lifestyle of Reasonableness

In our daily lives, things change rapidly. Life is fast-paced. People buy and sell in seconds; there is immense pressure to excel, to possess what signifies pleasure and comfort; and there is a constant influx of information. We can’t be sure about what the future holds or how to cope with these changes.

Anxiety arises from this fear of the unknown. Few things are within our control, and this generates anxiety in us. But anxiety is a natural human condition, and Jesus offers us a way to overcome it.

Jesus Christ, being God, became human and chose to draw near to us. Through His death on the cross, He reconciled humanity with God, allowing us to be close to Him once more. As the Lord is so near to us, we can find reasons to rejoice. So, there’s no need for anxiety.

The apostle Paul wrote Philippians 4:4–6 in the context of urging two beloved women to be of one mind, to cease their disputes, and to unite in harmony. Often, disputes arise from fear. We yearn for control and demand specific outcomes. If someone stands in opposition to our desires, we confront them.

However, when we step back and view the bigger picture, we realize that the Lord is in control of all things. If He cares for every aspect of nature, He will undoubtedly care for us, His most valuable creation. Hence, we can find joy and peace by placing our trust in His sovereignty.

We can also bring our petitions before God and entrust them to His care. God is accessible. It’s a wonderful reality that the Lord is near, overseeing our circumstances and our hearts. That’s why amid his suffering, Job asked for an audience with God. Moses entered the temple. Jesus sought solitude for prayer.

Embracing this perspective of contentment and trust in God leads to a lifestyle of reasonableness. We don’t become demanding or needlessly quarrel. We can strive while holding outcomes loosely. By laying our fears at God’s feet, we can be confident that our needs will be well provided for. We can live in peace, knowing that the Lord is close at hand.

Lord, help me enter the lifestyle of reasonableness, where I rest assured that my life is in Your mighty hands. Empower me to let go of all quarreling and bickering. Help me trust the results are coming directly from Your heart.