When We Are Under Pressure
It is an understatement to say that the world is in a crisis at the moment. The challenges brought on by covid19 have put everyone under immense pressure. The normal support systems for most Christians are unavailable. The new normal with its social distancing and masks has left a lot of believers anxious. In today's devotion we look at Paul's words of encouragement in crisis situations. There are 3 stages to Paul's approach.
2. Paul answers our question by first of all reminding us that the Lord is near. He then clearly states the actions to be taken. Believers are not to worry about anything, but they are to pray and petition God. They are to let God know what they need. This is to be done with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a very powerful action as we approach God. As we pray with thanksgiving we remember God's faithfulness in our lives. Many have lost loved ones, jobs, businesses and homes because of the covid19 crisis. The crisis is not over yet. This might require believers to really dig deep on what to be thankful for.
Paul assures us that as we pray in this way the peace of God which is beyond human understanding will protect our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is the peace that allows us to live with confidence as believers. All kinds of crises may come and we may be under great pressure, but God's peace will preserve us in Christ Jesus.
3. Lastly Paul gives us an instruction for maintaining this peace of God. The instruction is to focus our minds on the right things. These are things which are true, worthy, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When we are under pressure it is easy to focus on what is not working, and on whose fault it is. There are instances when fault-finding is necessary, but when doing that causes conflict amongst believers/families/communities it is not helpful.
Therefore, bazalwane(fellow believers), in the midst of crises, let us keep our minds focused on helping those more vulnerable than us, and on sharing the good news of Christ Jesus.
| Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice! 5 Let your reasonableness be evident to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in all instances by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let God know your requests. 7 And the peace of God which exceeds all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, bazalwane, keep your minds on things that are true, worthy, right, pure, lovely and admirable. (Own translation) (Philippians4:4-8) |
Rev Shingi Masunda is currently a PhD candidate of the Protestant Theological University in the Netherlands. Her research is focused on the phenomenon of leadership as portrayed in the metaphors used in the Gospel of Matthew.
