Study the Promises

Written by:Pastor Jim Lennon

Ruth Bell Graham shares a story about when she awoke one night with a start.  Someone she dearly loved flashed into her mind and she was anxious and worried about them.  She knew there was no more sleep for her that night, and so she started praying.  Her pray time was constantly interrupted by her anxious thoughts.  She had trouble as she tried desperately to conquer her fears.

But then suddenly the Lord seemed to say to her, “Quit studying the problems and start studying the promises.”  She turned on the light and got her Bible and began reading the promises of Scripture as she prayer for her friend.  As Philippians 4:67-7 promised, when she was done praying, her heart was filled with a peace from God that defied understanding.  She concluded that worship and worry cannot live in the same heart at the same time.

That echoes Paul’s conclusion as well.  “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6)

Pastor Jim Lennon