ABF 19.11 LN

GOOD MORNING
Last week: we talked about the gifts of the Spirit
This week: Peace vs Anxiety
We are in a major transition period as a congregation … how we respond spiritually matters
Phil. 4: 6-9
God is never out of the equation. In good times or uncertain times, He is a sovereign God all the time.
Exodus 2: 11-15
Moses in this moment didn’t consider God. The repercussions of this affected Moses’ mental state moving forward in other interactions and decision making. Anxious/paranoid/irrational
Phil. 4: 6
Moses made a habit of responding to God with doubt and insecurity rather than trusting in the Lord. He was so inward focused on his own shortcomings rather than being at peace that an all powerful God was with Him in every step and every direction.
God would continue to use Moses despite his imperfection and his lack of faith on matters. Despite this, Moses struggled to give praise to his God.
Genesis 37: 3-11
Joseph, by comparison, responded much differently than Moses.
He was betrayed by those closest to him, sold into slavery, ripped from his family … Despite this Joseph trusted in the Lord. He didn’t “freak out” thinking that even God abandoned him. He was faithful in even the most severe and traumatic circumstances.
He was at peace knowing that God’s will was being accomplished through him, and he was keenly aware of that. God used what were no doubt horrible actions by Joseph’s brothers and blessed Joseph in the process. Neither God nor Joseph ever abandoned each other.
Genesis 41: 51
Just like Paul instructs the church in Philippi, Joseph gave gratitude to the Lord.
Just like Paul instructs, Joseph was thankful for all things knowing that God has a vision that often times we cannot see.
Joseph remained hopeful for the future ahead knowing that the God of the universe was with him.
Do we do the same in times of crisis?
Do we stay fixated on the lows, on the negative aspects of a situation or experience? Or are we at peace because we know who God is?

QUESTIONS:

WHEN YOU GO DOWN A RABBIT HOLE OF WORRIES, WHAT SORT OF MECHANISMS HAVE YOU PUT IN PLACE TO KEEP YOURSELF FROM LOSING CONTROL?
DOES YOUR FAITH IN GOD OFTEN BRING PEACE TO YOU? WHAT SORT OF THINGS DO YOU THINK ABOUT MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK ABOUT HIM?
WHEN YOU PRAY DO YOU GIVE HIM GRATITUDE OR DO YOU ASK HIM FOR MORE OUT OF FEELING LIKE WHAT YOU DO HAVE IS INSUFFICIENT?