Anxious for Nothing.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Let me introduce two friends of mine, Robert and James.  They are two brothers who are members of our church, and they both have cerebral palsy.  They are confined to wheelchairs and need assistance for many things.  It is difficult for them to communicate easily.  Some people are hesitant to speak to them.  They have every earthly reason to complain and be grouchy about their handicaps.

Instead, they constantly rejoice in everything.  They love to laugh, sing, visit, joke, and generally have a good time.  They love to have Bible stories read to them from their Bible story book, and they especially love to sing “How Great Thou Art.”

Where does this joy come from?  Robert and James would tell you that their joy comes from Jesus.  They thrill at praying to Jesus, praising Jesus, and hearing about Jesus.  Jesus is their Friend, their Savior, and their Lord.

Every problem that the fellows have they take to Jesus.  They know He is their Good Shepherd and they are His lambs.  They thrill at His presence in the Sacrament. They know that one day they will be with Jesus in heaven, and they especially rejoice in that too.

I thought that, when I met Robert and James, I would be teaching them quite a bit about Jesus.  Actually, just the opposite has been true.  They have taught me so much about rejoicing in Jesus and giving God thanks in everything.

Dear Lord, thank you for my friends, Robert and James.  Thank you for their joy, their prayers, and especially their constant witness to you, Jesus.  Amen.