Dr. Les Ollila addresses students returning for a new semester who may be facing anxiety about various challenges. Drawing from his recent travel experiences during a blizzard, he emphasizes the importance of turning to God with our anxieties and finding peace through prayer and thanksgiving.
Scripture Text
Philippians 4:4-9
Main Points or Ideas
- Rejoice in the Lord Always - Paul wrote about rejoicing from prison, encouraging believers to maintain a spirit of rejoicing even in dark circumstances and to let their graciousness be known to all men, remembering that "the Lord is at hand"
- Be Anxious for Nothing - Common sources of anxiety for students include fears about the future, financial needs, calling to ministry, and failures during break time. God knows all our sin was future when Christ died on the cross, and sin is gone for believers - we should not carry guilt into the new semester
- Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving - General prayer involves our regular prayer lists for others, while supplication is particular petitioning for specific personal needs. We should approach God with thanksgiving even in difficult circumstances, remembering His perfect love for us
- The Peace of God - When we come to God with our burdens and requests, whether confession or petition for direction, the peace that comes is sourced in God himself. This peace passes all understanding and transcends human thinking, providing an inner settlement that God is in control
- Guard Your Heart and Mind - God's peace will garrison (guard) our hearts and minds, and we should focus our thinking on things that are true, lovely, and just, knowing that the God of peace will be with us
Conclusion
Students should begin the semester thinking on God and His attributes, not carrying burdens of guilt or questioning God's goodness, but trusting completely in His care and protection through prayer and thanksgiving.
