Transparent Freedom

in moments of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, we are offered peace that passes all understanding.

in moments of comfort, serenity, and certainty, peace comes almost expectedly & we usually take it for granted.

last night, my brother miles had a huge opportunity for peace:

opening up for steven curtis chapman (scc) in front of thousands of people at the plaza theater in downtown el paso, being completely transparent with only him & a guitar.

most people would not describe miles as one who likes being the center of attention, and for those of you who can relate, you can try to imagine the anxiety that might creep up in a situation like the one just described.

30 minutes before the show we had a chance to just sit and pray … thanking God for this opportunity to shine for Him

15 minutes before miles took the stage, we had a chance to listen to screamin’ jay hawkins in miles dressing room and just laugh together

5 minutes before showtime, the band sanctuary society (who was playing a couple tunes after miles, before scc) laid hands on miles along with myself and scc’s stage manager.

and the peace came…

miles told me after he played that as he started playing the first verse he felt “the prayers of the saints” in the form of peace in a most powerful, Spirit led way.

it was a moment of pure worship and complete satisfaction being in God’s presence, doing His will.

some might want to say, well that’s good anxiety … God can provide for that easy, but mine is different …

no it’s not…it’s anxiety…and thus…an opportunity for unfathomable peace

go to God, completely transparent, and hand it over resting in His promises:

matthew 6:25

therefore i tell you, do not be anxious about your life.

matthew 6:27

and which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?

matthew 6:31

therefore do not be anxious.

matthew 6:34

therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow.

psalm 56:3

when i am afraid, i put my trust in thee.

1 peter 5:7

cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.

jeremiah 29:11

for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

philippians 4:6

have no anxiety in anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God.

this next list is even more specific (taken from john piper’s ‘battling unbelief’ … also probably recognized from a previous post … i think that this list is that important)

i want you to go open your Bible & underline them whenever you need freedom from any of the following forms of anxiety:

• new venture: isaiah 41:10

• ministry being useless/empty: isaiah 55:11

• too weak to do your work: 2 corinthians 12:9 & deuteronomy 33:25

• decisions about the future: psalm 32:8

• facing opponents: romans 8:31

• being sick/tribulations: romans 5:3-5

• getting old: isaiah 46:4

• dying: romans 14:9-11

• falling away from God: philippians 1:6 & 1 thessalonians 5:23 & hebrews 7:25

two final promises:

deuteronomy 31:8

“and the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; he will be with you. He will not fail your or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed”

proverbs 21:31

“the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”

here are some pictures of miles last night for you to enjoy and remember … next time you feel anxiety creeping in … RUN to the promises of Jesus’ future grace.

any anxieties not listed? have you found the promises that battle them?

have you had any opportunities for peace lately?