“The gentle person is sober-minded and clear thinking. Contagiously calm. The contagiously calm person is the one who reminds others, ‘God is in control.’ “- Max Lucado
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious for anything.”- Philippians 4:5-6 (NV)
In Chapter 5 (“Contagious Calm”) of Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado asserts that anxiety is needless. Why? Because God is near. As a result of unbridled stress, Pastor Lucado observes, we’re tempted to respond in ways that wound people. Those responses include angry outbursts, a rash of accusations, or a fiery torrent of hurtful words.
However, one person refusing to buckle under the stress helps avert a disaster. This defines the composure Paul summons in Philippians 4:5-6. In that passage, Paul summons a triad of proclamations. Most noteworthy, Max states, the Greek word translated as gentleness (epiekes) refers to a seasoned , mature temperament. Also, it envisions a level headed and tempered attitude. One fitting to the occasion.
Next, even though you may feel as well as think you’re alone, Paul reminds you of the nearness of the Lord. No moment exists in which you face life without His help. Furthermore, Pastor Lucado notes, in the ultimate declaration of communion, God called Himself Immanuel. God with us. God became flesh and sin. In addition, He rose from the dead. Finally, through the Holy Spirit, He comforts, teaches, and convicts.
In conclusion, Max encourages:
“Avoid the quicksand that bears the marker ‘God has left you.’ Do not indulge this lie. If you do, your problem will be amplified by a sense of loneliness. It’s one thing to face a challenge, but face it all alone? Isolation creates a downward cycle of fret. Choose instead to be the person who clutches the presence of God with both hands.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses foster a contagiously calm spirit in you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God – as near as our next breath”