Lately, as I travel there has been an overwhelming increase of folks who are dealing with or know someone who is experiencing anxiety, depression or fear. I state this for two reasons. First, the Bible clearly states in 2 Timothy 3:1 (MSG) “Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead.” The Passion Translation says it this way, “But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce.” There should be no wonder as to why there is such an increase in mental stress. Secondly, there is given to us a remedy, solution, and cure for the environment that we currently face and deal with daily.
Most of what we deal with mentally is the result of our perspective. Our perspective both naturally and mentally is calibrated and calculated by our proximity to God’s word. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This verse is not speaking of space, but rather the meditations and awareness of God’s occupancy in our being. We must remember that God is not distant.
The perception of distance or even worse abandonment is created by the deception that by an action or decision, God has stepped back and away from you. This could be no further from the truth. You must understand that God’s decision to be near or occupy you is based on His already decided and qualified love for you in Christ. God will never leave you, forsake, or deny you. He sticks closer to you than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). A brother’s relation is based on birth, but God’s relation to you is based on blood. God’s bond to you is eternal.
What you draw near to or rather meditate on and become aware of directly impacts the atmosphere of your life. Drawing near to God imparts the characteristics of God into your situation. God does not possess these characteristics; they exist solely because He is! There is peace because He is peace (Philippians 4:6-7). There is light or revelation, which is revealed knowledge because He is light (1 John 1:5a). What I want you to see is that there is no negotiation required to dispel the counterparts of who God is in our lives; His impact is immediate. For example, when you flip the switch in your room darkness and light do not converse concerning who gets to stay. Darkness is immediately dismissed. Why? 1 John 1:5b says, “In Him is no darkness at all.” When we turn inwardly by meditating on God’s word and allowing His word to give light to our situation the opposite of what the enemy is trying to achieve occurs.
The difficult times that we are living in do not have the right or ability to simply overtake us demanding to be a part of our daily routine. When you draw near to the peace of God instead of embracing panic, the peace of God consumes your being and brings about a great calm.
I want you to hear this clearly. The atmosphere of your life is up to you, not your circumstances.
Too many don’t know or believe this, as they have a “happenstance” mentality. Nothing is by happenstance, but by choice. What you decide to draw near to has a direct implication on your perspective and outlook on life.
I believe that this thought is vital to the progression and success of a believer and of the church. If we are to arise and shine as we are told in Isaiah 60:1, as the glory of God is seen on us, it will be by cultivating His presence and knowledge of Him, which is to turn toward Him, to draw near.
James 4:7 reads, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Also,
1 Peter 5:6 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” When I read the words submit and humble there can be a negative connotation to them. I think that when people hear submit, they hear control. When they hear humble, they hear insignificant. I believe the reason for this is because they are kingdom words and must be understood in light of God’s nature. Strength and authority are the direct results of submission.
I want to quickly give you two ways to enable you to sharpen your perspective and solidify your proximity to the Father for the sole purpose of keeping the enemy defeated while ensuring absolute victory.
Submit to God. The hardness of our times with its problems and pressure does not create or produce the promises of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20-21 (TPT) says, “For all of God’s promises find their ‘yes’ of fulfillment in Him. And as His ‘yes’ and our ‘amen’ ascend to God (His presence and our drawing hear), we bring Him glory! Now, it is God himself who has anointed us. And He is constantly strengthening both you and us in union with Christ.” It is when we first resist the enemy without submission to God that we fail and become fatigued in self-effort.
Maintain Godly Humility. Humility is not insignificance but rather our absolute dependency on God the Father. It is through humility that we are exalted and positioned in His presence and given the name that is above every name. Humility is not insignificance but rather prominence. It is the meek that walk in the inheritance of heaven and navigate over the landmines the enemy lays endeavoring to destroy our lives.
It is through submission and humility that we draw near and experience the true and full weight of God’s precious presence enabling us to live in the world and not be consumed but rather change it for His honor and glory. I believe it is by submission and humility that we have absolute and continuous victory.