When we worry we torment ourselves
with thoughts of uncertainty and concern, interfering with God’s peace of mind,
causing anxiety, fearful distress and uneasiness. Worry and anxiety are the
greatest tools of the powers of darkness for they are birthed in a lack of
trust... a lack of faith... unbelief, and invariably lead to depression. Much
of our worry stems from misplaced love... coveting the things of this world. Worry
and anxiety express the belief that we really are responsible for the provisions
of life, for our work, for our ministry, and express the unbelief that God will
really provide for our needs. Notice that God only promises to provide for our
needs... food... shelter... clothes, not our wants: People with broken
“wanters” will have a problem with God’s provisioning. “Godliness with
contentment is great gain”... the gain is joy. Seven times scripture states "Do
not worry." Twice scripture states “Let not your heart be troubled.” Four
times scripture states “Do not fret.” And once “Be anxious for nothing”: When
we ignore these commands of our Lord we disengage from His control switching
back to Self-Control, we grieve the Holy Spirit and quench the flow of “Living
Water”, and we invite depression. We put on the “Spirit of Heaviness” replacing
our “Garment of Praise.” Depression is a spirit and must be resisted with
praise and worship, for “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” The issue is not to strive for
stronger faith, but rather to rest in The Faithful One... and practice the
virtue, the discipline, of contentment, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Endnote: Worry, anxiety, fear,
and depression are simply “fiery darts” in the form of thoughts emanating from
the powers of darkness that “exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” As saints,
we find contentment through disciplined obedience to God’s word, “bringing
every thought into captivity to
the obedience of Christ”, living the Spirit filled,
Spirit led, Spirit controlled life. “Contentment” here is a state of grace,
including, but not limited to satisfaction,
gratification, fulfillment, happiness, pleasure, cheerfulness, ease, comfort, well-being,
peace, equanimity, serenity, tranquility. Contentment releases the Joy of the Lord
into our life, which strengthens us for the difficulties we will encounter on
The Way home to God.
PUT ON THE GARMENT OF PRAISE…
(1 Tim. 6:6; Matt. 6:25; Jn. 14:1,27; Ps. 37:8;Phil.
4:6; Is. 61:3; Neh. 8:10; 2 Cor. 10:5)
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