Anxious Much?

 

Does the world make you anxious?

With the constant bombardment of information, people are manipulated into a life of fear. Fear is the great motivator, driving our outlooks on life, our purchasing of products and services, and even our worship of God. The resultant worry can deprive us of joy, good health, and the communion God wants with us.

We know being blessed by God lifts our life with joy, but then the next day we worry the blessings will cease; that the “other shoe will drop.”

This year I have been so blessed by God, but as the days have gone by, I have let the tendrils of doubt weave their way into my joy. That almost transparent wisp of worry that settles gently upon my good feelings of a life lived within God’s love. Will I now experience trials and tribulations “necessary” for my growth?

Thankfully, the Bible is full of God’s instructions for just these situations. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Worrying is our labor and our burden.

As the widow in the town of Zarephath, chronicled in 1 Kings 17:16, had to learn, trust in God is necessary to receive His miracles. She didn’t know how she would feed Elijah when she was almost out of oil and flour. Elijah told her to trust God, and when she did, each day there was a fresh supply.

There will be times when our desires aren’t met and circumstances don’t turn out as we want. We ask ourselves, will this be one of the dreaded times when we’re to learn a lesson, face a trial because it is good for us, or need to be “rebuked?”

This is when we are to go to God, laying out our concerns, being brutally honest, asking God what he wants us to learn. When we do this with a contrite heart, not only will God tell us what we need to know, but we will feel Him with us every step of the way.

Heavenly Father, we admit that we are often afraid of situations we face—fearing the worst. We know we lack the wisdom, courage, and strength to provide solutions. So we claim the Apostle Peter’s instructions that we are to give You all of our worries and cares, because You care about us. We are to take one day at a time, giving You tomorrow because our strength is just for today. No matter the outcome, we claim the promise that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

 

 

 

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