The 4 Words That Defeat Worry

I was reflecting on Philippians 4:6-7 this morning.  It reminds me of the last time I saw my Uncle Willis at Crofton Manor on Saturday, April 28, 2012.  Stephen was there, and then Auntie Maye came later.

This is what I shared with Uncle Willis...

You know we all know the Phil 4:6-7 verse about "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Uncle Willis exclaimed, "CLAIM IT".

Ah, but, Uncle Willis, do you know what the 4 words are BEFORE that verse?  (I thought I would stump Uncle Bill when I asked him that question, but he got it.)  How about you?  Do you know the 4 words at the end of verse 5?

...drumroll, please...

It is "THE LORD IS NEAR."

I told Uncle Willis that we should start that popular verse with "THE LORD IS NEAR...Do not be anxious..."  By saying that the Lord is near, it takes us out of the equation because it is not our action to not be anxious.  But rather, we are not to be anxious because the Lord is near.  So when Uncle Willis is not well (stage 4 lung cancer), the Lord is near.  When my husband and I don't see eye to eye, the Lord is near.  When my kids drive me nuts, the Lord is near.  When I miss Auntie Vera, the Lord is near.  When I think of my dad and his challenges (and my mom who has to clean up after him), the Lord is near.  THE LORD IS NEAR.
Uncle Willis said that he learnt from me, and yes, that he would dwell on the words that THE LORD IS NEAR.  I am inspired by his positive spirit, and I know that comes from Christ within him.   

That would be the last time I saw my Uncle Willis.  He passed away August 23, 2012.