His Nearness Is Our Good

Soul Satisfaction - A Study Of Philippians (Chapter 4: 2 - 9)  His Nearness Is Our Good . . .(v. 4-5)   “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good . . .” Psalm 73:28a   “But You are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true!”  Psalm 119:151   “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”  Psalm 145:18   The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:18   “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you . . .” James 4:8   ·         Because the Lord is near, I do not have to fear or be anxious.(v. 6) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 o   Worry consumes my life when I allow fear to overwhelm my faith.   Don’t Worry . . .   ·         Because the Lord is near, I can offer up my requests to Him and know He hears.(v.6) o   Why should I offer up prayers to God if he already knows what I need? §  Because bringing our requests to God is an admission that I cannot provide for my needs, but God can.  (Matthew o   When I pray, God’s Spirit displaces our worry and leads us to worship. §  Worry is what distracts us from worship. §  Prayer not only prepares our heart for worship, it also produces a heart of overflowing worship. §  When I find rest as I worship in His presence, worry has no place to rest in me.   Be at Peace . . .   ·         Because the Lord is near, I can experience Hisoverwhelming peace that guards my heart and mind.(v.7) o   The peace of God guards my heart as I trust in what Iknow is true, not what Ifeel is true. §  I experience peace when my mind dwells on, and my life obediently displays, that which is Christ-honoring. ·         Think on what is true—live out the truth. ·         Think on what is honorable—live a life of honor. ·         Think on what is just—live a life that displays justice. ·         Think on what is pure—live a life of purity. ·         Think on what is lovely—live a life that is pleasing. ·         Think on what is commendable—live a life that is admirable. ·         Think on what is excellent and worthy of praise.   My Response . . .