Here is another nothing. It smacks our fleshly spirit of independence. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Nothing is so all inclusive. It means that not one thing we can do in our own strength will glorify God. Think about a fruit tree. It cannot produce fruit on its own. It requires soil and water so its roots will grow deep, strong, and tenaciously hold their ground. That is a picture of abiding faith. I’m not a arborist so I won’t go any further with this picture. I hope that you get the idea.

Paul understood. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He wrote that after he explained how he had learned to be content. He experientially knew that whether he was full or hungry, abounding or suffering need, the Lord’s power would sustain him.

He also wrote verse 7. From his own experience he mined this truth that he wanted his readers to grasp. It says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Let nothing cause anxiety? Whew! We live in troubled times. It is worldwide. It is important to remember that we have His irrevocable gift of peace within. It cannot be taken away. Yet, we maintain it in our hearts through our focus. The moment we take our eyes off Jesus, anxious thoughts may crowd in. Peace is not circumstantial. No matter what is taking place in our lives, we can remain in peace.

Here is another ‘nothing’ that is so amazingly precious. Romans 8:38-39 says that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not one thing. Our past is under the shed blood of Jesus. He bought our redemption. However a significant part of our progressive sanctification is to keep short accounts with God. Entertaining worry, anxiety, or thoughts of fear is sin and needs to be confessed.

Today, as you go about your day, I encourage you to ‘dwell’ in His word that will help you maintain peace in your heart, draw deep from the wells of your salvation, and rejoice in your dependence on the Lord! May the Holy Spirit sensitize us to the buried things that trigger ‘self’ to race to the rescue in our times of need.