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Well over 50 years ago I sat in my 1st women’s Bible study. It was my turn to read so I began reading at Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for (full of care/worried about) nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD and the peace of GOD, which passes all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.”
As I read the verses, I thought the words meant the peace of GOD would give me understanding. You know- like “pass me the butter”. When I expressed my thought, there were smiles and a few chuckles and I was quickly advised that isn’t what it meant at all.
Although those awesome words, that have become life verses for me, hold amazing truth, today I’m just using that old story as an illustration to set the stage to show that words don’t always imply what we think they suggest.
Normally we think ungodliness and unrighteousness, or wickedness are the same thing. But In Romans 1:18, “The wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.” Paul clearly distinguishes ungodliness from unrighteousness.
But what’s the difference?
Jerry Bridges, in his bible study ‘Respectable Sins’, states “Ungodliness describes an attitude toward GOD, while unrighteousness refers to sinful actions in thought, word or deed.
Ungodliness is at best ignoring GOD and what HE says, but often it is flatly denying GOD’s concern or even HIS existence. Ungodliness can be defined as living everyday life with little or no thought of what GOD wants or thinks or has done. It’s leaving GOD out of the equation when considering problems or in making decisions. Yet GOD clearly instructs us to trust HIM and to acknowledge (talk to) HIM about everything.
Trusting GOD is an exercise, not a feeling. You learn to trust by choosing to trust. And the more you do it (trust GOD), the more you can do it (trust GOD), for your eyes become able to see GOD at work in everything. Then GOD is in all your thoughts, and you become increasingly aware of GOD.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
“The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for GOD; there is no room for GOD in their thoughts.” (Psalm 10:4 NCV).
In Isaiah 30:1 GOD even calls believers rebellious children when we make decisions without 1st talking it over with HIM.
When we leave GOD out of our decision making, joys and struggles it is a given that we will worry. “Am I doing the right thing?” or “Should I have?”
To worry, is to disobey GOD’s direct instructions. Worry is a direct result of not checking over our concerns with GOD. I began learning that truth and how to trust GOD over half a century ago in that woman’s Bible study when I read,
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for (full of care/worried about) nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD and the peace of GOD, which passes all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.”
Keep GOD in your thoughts, give HIM thanks even for the little things and talk everything over with HIM and you will be increasingly godly.
Hugs
Sharon
As I read the verses, I thought the words meant the peace of GOD would give me understanding. You know- like “pass me the butter”. When I expressed my thought, there were smiles and a few chuckles and I was quickly advised that isn’t what it meant at all.
Although those awesome words, that have become life verses for me, hold amazing truth, today I’m just using that old story as an illustration to set the stage to show that words don’t always imply what we think they suggest.
Normally we think ungodliness and unrighteousness, or wickedness are the same thing. But In Romans 1:18, “The wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.” Paul clearly distinguishes ungodliness from unrighteousness.
But what’s the difference?
Jerry Bridges, in his bible study ‘Respectable Sins’, states “Ungodliness describes an attitude toward GOD, while unrighteousness refers to sinful actions in thought, word or deed.
Ungodliness is at best ignoring GOD and what HE says, but often it is flatly denying GOD’s concern or even HIS existence. Ungodliness can be defined as living everyday life with little or no thought of what GOD wants or thinks or has done. It’s leaving GOD out of the equation when considering problems or in making decisions. Yet GOD clearly instructs us to trust HIM and to acknowledge (talk to) HIM about everything.
Trusting GOD is an exercise, not a feeling. You learn to trust by choosing to trust. And the more you do it (trust GOD), the more you can do it (trust GOD), for your eyes become able to see GOD at work in everything. Then GOD is in all your thoughts, and you become increasingly aware of GOD.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
“The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for GOD; there is no room for GOD in their thoughts.” (Psalm 10:4 NCV).
In Isaiah 30:1 GOD even calls believers rebellious children when we make decisions without 1st talking it over with HIM.
When we leave GOD out of our decision making, joys and struggles it is a given that we will worry. “Am I doing the right thing?” or “Should I have?”
To worry, is to disobey GOD’s direct instructions. Worry is a direct result of not checking over our concerns with GOD. I began learning that truth and how to trust GOD over half a century ago in that woman’s Bible study when I read,
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for (full of care/worried about) nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD and the peace of GOD, which passes all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.”
Keep GOD in your thoughts, give HIM thanks even for the little things and talk everything over with HIM and you will be increasingly godly.
Hugs
Sharon
