Did you know the earth’s axis of rotation is tilted precisely 231/2 degrees relative to the perpendicular of the earth’s plane of orbit? This perfect tilt causes the four seasons.
If the earth had any other degree of tilt (even by ½ degree):
– All of humanity would have to live in the mid latitudes of the earth.
-Only about one half of our presently farmable land could grow crops.
-Most of Europe and North America would experience very prolonged darkness in the winter and very prolonged daylight in the summer.
-Life on most of the earth’s surface would become intolerable.
The earth rotates once every 24 hours creating what we call “one day.” Scientists have done extensive research proving that one 24 hour time period is the optimum amount to evenly heat the earth. (Like a turkey on a BBQ spit)
If we had a choice in the matter, we could hardly improve on the current arrangement of tilt and rotation of our planet, which seems to be planned for both survival and comfort.
To some the ideal axis and rotation of the earth is a strange accident, but to me it is a marvelous testimony of God’s personal and powerful involvement with His creation.
Paul tells us to rejoice always, because the same God who tilted the earth 23.5 degrees (not one degree further or closer) and made it rotate in 24 hours precisely is the same God who is working out your life.
Astronomy declares the glory of God. Even the ecosystem reminds us how big and great and how sovereign God is. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, next time anxiety creeps in on you, here’s something very practical to do. Sometimes the most spiritual things are the most simple and practical.
Take a walk outside. (Or a bike or a scooter, or a snowmobile soon.)
Matthew 6 gives us this advice. Take a walk outside and spend some time looking at the birds. They aren’t stressed. They don’t have a savings account to fall back on, but God feeds them.
Look at the fields, the flowers bloom without worrying how they will grow and what they will look like, if they will be beautiful enough, and if they will be noticed. How much more valuable are we to Jesus? We are the center of creation, we are the focus of redemption and forgiveness.
If He takes care of the birds and the lilies of the field like this – how much more will He take care of us?
Our Sovereign God, says to us in Matthew 6:33-34 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Back to Paul, in Philippians 4, he is giving us this word from God, this lifeline to rejoice always. I believe he is telling us this because he has done A LOT of bird watching.
Paul is convinced, He has decided, that God is the energizing force behind everything. No moment, event, or detail falls outside of His supervision.
It beckons this question, if God is in charge, then why is Paul in prison? Why does God permit challenges to come our way? Why doesn’t He prevent them?
Here is Paul’s answer to that question: Phil 1:12-13 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
In Philippians 2:13 Paul says, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
God’s sovereignty helps us fight anxiety with two words: BUT GOD.
The company is downsizing, but God is still sovereign.
The cancer is back, but God occupies the throne.
I have anxiety that plagues me daily, but God is giving me courage. But God is sending me a life line.
But God! But God! But God!
Everyone thought the life of Jesus was over when He was crucified on the cross, But God!
His Son was dead and buried, but God raised Him from the dead.
We can believe in the promises and the sovereignty of Romans 8.
Neither death nor life
angels or demons
present or future
height or depth
anything else in all of creation will separate us from the LOVE of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul says in Phil 4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
For some of us, we thought the source of our anxiety was our calendar, our marriage, our job, or some difficult circumstance.
Anxiety thrives on the perception that things are spinning out of control. We have to resolve the question: Who’s in charge? Do you believe that God has a steady hand on your life? Do you trust like vs 5 says, the Lord is near. He is not letting you fend for yourself. He is not very far away.
Your days might be hard right now, your circumstances bleak, your heart broken, your anxiety heightened…..BUT GOD!