Mark Twain once said, “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
If Twain were alive today, he would find considerable empathy among a rapidly growing segment of society—those who struggle to grasp God’s perfect peace.
In the previous year alone, the sale of books dealing with anxiety and depression has risen 25 percent, according to one report from a major bookstore.
Of course, anxiety and depression are serious matters that warrant attention from mental health professionals. But there is also biblical teaching that informs our understanding of these issues and moves us closer to the perfect peace God promises.
Consider Paul’s words: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Graciously, all who humbly take these steps will be blessed by the promise the apostle asserts in the very next sentence...
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Timothy was a shining example of this peace. Earlier in the letter, Paul wrote, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (Philippians 2:20).
These are strong words of appreciation from the apostle, particularly when we realize that Paul employed the same Greek word, merimna—translated “genuine concern”—as he used later to express being “anxious.”
Merimna, then, has at least two different meanings or expressions. Perhaps the negative expression—anxiety—is caused by a failure to rest in God’s perfect peace. And the positive posture of genuine concern flows from someone whose heart and mind are guarded by Christ, abounding with care for the well-being of others.
Accordingly, as we discern the significant financial resources needed to continue broadcasting sound, biblical teaching across the world, I contend we can wholeheartedly express merimna. But which kind? Negative angst... or the positive expression of genuine concern that vows to rest in God’s peace?
The answer, I pray, is clear. With gracious measures of godly care, now is the time to seek the Lord on behalf of Telling the Truth, faithfully expecting that He will answer and act for the welfare of all who are blessed by its teaching.
The work we share to proclaim God’s peace through Life in Christ is as vital now as it has ever been. That’s why I’ll be so grateful for your support today to help Telling the Truth continue strong over the coming months and years.
As thanks for your gift, I’m honored to send you two resources: my book, A Peace of My Mind, and the companion 2-message series, Perfect Peace.
I designed these resources to help you experience God’s peace in the midst of any circumstance—the same peace “that transcends all understanding” that you’ll help share with others through your continued partnership with Telling the Truth.
Thank you, sincerely, for your godly merimna and your generous support.
Every blessing,
Stuart Briscoe
