Anxiety

April 28th – Matthew 6:28

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Matthew 6:28

Oh to be like the lily of the field. Clothed in beauty by the Creator’s hand, and spending the day swaying in the spring breeze without a care in the world. Although we know we will face difficulty in this life, we never have to face them alone. God invites us to turn over our worry and burdens to Him. Trusting that His grace, which unfurls like the petals of a flower, will nurture our needs before they even arise. He wants us to stop wasting our time fretting over tomorrow, worrying who will provide for us. Because our Almighty God is in complete control, and orchestrates every dawn with tender precision. So just as spring surrenders to the rhythm of growth ordained by heaven, let us we surrender our cares. And instead embrace the promise that everything we need, like the morning dew upon the petals, will be abundantly provided. Where we will find the comfort of knowing that tomorrow’s worries are already cradled in the hands of the Eternal Gardener. And worry is replaced with serenity, anxiety overcome with peace.

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September 21st – Matthew 6:31

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Matthew 6:31

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”

Scars and traumas we’ve suffered in the past can make trust and surrender difficult. And the thought of giving up control over our lives and circumstances is a scary thought. But that’s just what God commands us to do. He tells us to trust in Him, and His love. To surrender to His ability to take care of every need we have. But living in a fallen world means it’s in our nature to worry. Yet living a life of worry is pointless. It doesn’t change the outcome of any situation, and only adds undue anxiety. Jesus teaches that focusing on our worries will not extend our lives by even a fraction of a second, let alone improve it. In Matthew 6:27 He says, “And who of you being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Spending our time worrying about what might be, prevents us from experiencing the joy of what God is doing for us right now.  And more often than not, things usually don’t turned out as we feared. For as a famous scholar once said, “worry about the future is wasted effort, and the future of reality is seldom as bad as the future of our fears.”

September 21st – Matthew 6:31 Read More »

September 4th – Philippians 4:6-7

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Philippians 4:6-7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. Especially as the days grow darker. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay trapped in the swirling cyclone of turmoil. We have a choice. But unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by anxiety and drama, without it they feel incomplete. And sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives, with His perfect peace. A peace that surpasses all human understanding. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances. Instead it’s rooted in our relationship with God. It’s a tranquil assurance that He is in control, cares for us deeply, and we can trust His wisdom and love. As long we the earth is our home we will encounter situations that will test our faith and attempt to rattle our peace. But the peace of God is a profound gift. One that calms the storms within us and allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence and a sense of inner serenity.

September 4th – Philippians 4:6-7 Read More »

April 12th – Psalm 61:4

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Psalm 61:4

It’s easy to fall into a state of worry and fear. Because it’s natural to want to feel safe and protected; to worry for our safety and the safety of our loved ones. But fear is a weapon of the enemy. Satan fills our mind with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But as Christians we have the power to overcome fear. We can claim the promises of God who says that those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. And when we shelter under the wings of the Lord, not even the strongest storm can rattle our calm. The world is rapidly becoming more dangerous by the day.  And although we have no control over what happens around us, we can control how we react. We can either cower and hide, living a life of worry and fear, or we can trust in God who promises to be a, “tower of strength against the enemy.” (Ps. 61:3)

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March 12th – 2 Samuel 22:17

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2 Samuel 22:17

When we are drowning in troubled waters, we have the blessings of a mighty Lifeguard who will reach down and pull us out of the raging rapids. Because just like He did with David, God will provide and rescue us from all danger. And no matter how dire the situation may seem, with God’s help we can not only survive but overcome and experience victory in the end. For nothing formed against us is too powerful for the Lord. He is the One who saves, sustains, strengthens, and secures. Whether they be people, addictions, disease, or Satan himself, we all have enemies. Each day is filled with personal battles. But we never need face them alone. When we put our faith and trust in God, even the mightiest of foe cannot stand against His power. We can confidently cast all of our anxieties on the Lord because He cares for us and is committed to helping us win every war. (1 Peter 5:7)

 

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October 25th – Philippians 4:7

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Philippians 4:7

God’s promise- “My great peace will guard your heart and thoughts in Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. And unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by stress and drama, without it they feel incomplete. Sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives with His perfect peace. So how do we receive God’s peace? First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

October 25th – Philippians 4:7 Read More »

October 22nd – Psalm 29:11

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Psalm 29:11

God’s Promise – “I will give you My strength and bless you with My peace.”

In todays climate everyone is over stressed, anxiety filled, and fearful for the future. That’s why we could all use a heaping dose of strength and peace. Life is difficult enough without trying to navigate it alone. My heart aches for those who do not know Christ as their Savior. For they have only themselves to rely on. Only themselves to turn to for comfort, guidance, and security. But thankfully as Christians, we can take refuge in the Lord. For He will never forsake nor disappoint us. Instead the Lord takes our weakness, and gives us His strength. A strength that can overcome any storm and win every battle. And the peace He offers, supersedes even the greatest deluge. For He is our eye in the hurricane. And when we stay centered in the Lord, no lightening bolt, thunder clap, or howling wind, can shake the perfect peace found in the Lord alone!

October 22nd – Psalm 29:11 Read More »

June 21st – Psalm 46:10

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Psalm 46:10

Living in a busy world comes with its share of anxiety. But our stress doesn’t have to turn into distress. When God is our source of strength, we can “be still” and rest in Him. The phrase “be still”, comes from the Hebrew word, “raphah.” Translated it means to relax, cause yourselves to let go, or to let yourselves become weak. It’s a deliberate act of surrender. It means “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) I once heard it said that to take control means surrendering control. It’s only when we surrender all to God, our fears, worries, and hurt, can we really take control of any situation. For as Isaiah 30:15 tells us, “in quietness and trust is your strength.” When we put God in charge, following instead of leading, we are free to walk through every circumstance with an inner quietness only He can provide.

 

June 21st – Psalm 46:10 Read More »

June 3rd – John 14:27

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John 14:27

I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear and anxiety. But there’s not. Because nothing this world offers can truly ease our weary hearts. No, the true soul resting peace that we crave only comes from the Lord. I myself struggle with PTSD stemming from a childhood tragedy. And some days the battle for peace seems impossible to win. But because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, I don’t fight it alone. It’s a war I wage together with Him. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in, I cry out to my Lord. I share with Him every thought and feeling. And I remember His promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there. And my heart need never be troubled or afraid.

June 3rd – John 14:27 Read More »

March 21st – Philippians 4:6-7

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Philippians 4:6-7

The faith and love of the Lord exhibited by Paul never ceases to amaze me. No matter if he endured beatings, persecution, imprisonment, or a shipwreck, he never gave up. Nor did he give in to anxiety or despair. Does it mean he didn’t have those feelings, even for a brief minute? Of course not. For Paul, like us, always battled his human nature. But because of his close, personal, relationship with God, Paul experienced a peace beyond human understanding. And we can too.

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. Especially as the days grow darker. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay trapped in the swirling cyclone of turmoil. We have a choice. But unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by anxiety and drama, without it they feel incomplete. And sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives, with His perfect peace.

First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe in our hearts that He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

As long we the earth is our home, we will encounter situations that will test our faith, and attempt to rattle our peace. But remembering that nothing happens without God’s say so, and He uses all things for our good, gives us a peace that transcends human understanding. I love the analogy of living in peace being like the petals of a flower unfolding in the morning sunlight. Our petals of peace open as we learn more about God. And as we soak in the sunshine of His perfect love, our petals blossom in His warmth and goodness.

March 21st – Philippians 4:6-7 Read More »