Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8
“Do not be anxious about anything. Keep silent, be careful for nothing, give yourself to reciting the Scriptures, sleeping and waking in the fear of God – then you will not fear the attacks of the godless.”
Anonymous Desert Father in What Do You Seek? Wisdom from Religious Life for Today’s World by John-Francis Friendship (Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2021) 48
These are times when we can be tempted toward anxiety, fear, and worry. How do we avoid it and make sure it does not shape our service and sharing? We must give ourselves to reciting the Scriptures.
This may mean that instead of spending time reading social media or watching TV, we focus on reading, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture. This can shape our generosity because when we need it to, it will drip from our tongues.
Verses like Psalm 94:19 have circled through my head. And I confess, I’ve been anxious lately because one of my dearest friends, mentors, and really like a father to me, Dan Busby, is battling both Covid and stage four colon cancer.
If you know him (or even if you don’t), join me in prayer, visit his CaringBridge site, and send some love. I am learning that my greatest act of generosity today is to remind Dan of what is true from Scripture and to call the world to pray.
Father in heaven, help Dan beat Covid. Restore his strength to battle cancer after that. Do this for your glory and for ministry into my life and so many others. Hear my prayer in your mercy in the name of Jesus. Amen.