Restless The Podcast

This is Steve and welcome back to another segment of Press On. This is called Expected Healing.

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

 There is no doubt about it the Bible addresses worry and anxiousness because its a real issue and is see as detrimental to how God made us.

And what Paul said in:

Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

 Paul, is not a JV player...his choice of words are intentional.

So why the words petition and requests...aren’t they the same? Not in this context. Before I retired I worked for government doing regulatory compliance. From time to time we would petition the court for a decision regarding a particular enforcement action. We did it because the law required us but also because we knew the court would indeed make a decision.

 Additionally, the Greek word used by Paul, for request implies two things.

Definite and specific things.

The authority of whom you are asking.

  Years back I went to see a counselor regarding some traumatic issues that I and my family had experienced. The counselor asked me to tell her the story...I did. She then asked me to tell it again and be as detailed as possible. 

I asked why....she said details helps her better understand how to help me and secondly it’s a part of my own healing. 

There is much more to this story but for today: Understand that Paul wants us to relearn how we are to deal with worry. 

When you approach God by facing Him, ask expecting a decision, be specific in your requests. Of course He knows what’s on your heart but you need to speak it...because words have power.

Finally, understand who you are speaking to. Understand his authority and power to transform you by simply being in his presence.

This is Steve and until we meet again. Press on, Steve