More On Anxiety

We’re dealing with anxiety. Many of you could write this article way better than me. You and anxiety are old friends and you have braved the deep more times than anyone knows. You are some of the bravest and strongest people I know. Worry, fear, and anxiety are not as simple as what I’m about to share, but what I share is at the same time very true. It doesn’t wave a magic wand over our pain, but what it does is point our feet in in the right direction.

Jesus said…

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 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.” (Matthew 6:25-34)

You don’t have to worry… here’s why.

1. You are valuable to God.
   

   Matthew 6:26 ” Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

   Among all creation, God values human beings above everything else. This doesn’t seem to fit with our current cultural ideology. Yes, the planet matters. Yes, animals matter. Yes, God has a plan for each of those in His time. BUT, the message of the Bible is clear, God loves people more than any other part of His creation. We are the only part of it made in His image. Look at the birds of the air. God takes care of them. You are more even more valuable to God Jesus says.

2. You have a Heavenly Father (and He is good).
   Matthew 6:31-32 “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
   It’s not by accident Jesus refers to God as “heavenly Father”. He’s reminding us of the personal relationship God has and desires to have with us. Part of that relationship is a relationship of provision. He’s in tune with your needs and knows them even before you do! He is good. His plans and intentions for us are good. This is because He is good. He is to selfish, He is just. His is gracious. He is kind. He is loving. He is perfect… He is good!

3. He is able.
   Matthew 6:28-30 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”Last time I checked, I don’t know how to make flowers. If I’m lucky, I can plant a seed, water it, give it everything it needs, and I may see a flower bloom. I can take the raw ingredients and possibly make something happen with them – God makes the ingredients. My abilities are very limited. God’s are not. He made the flowers. He formed their DNA. He told them how and when to grow. He programmed everything about them. Jesus is saying, if that’s what God does for them, how much more will He not also provide for you.God made you. He is capable (and wanting) to care for you even in the darkest times. He has not left, He will not leave, He is more than able. He is faithful even when we are not!

   “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” 2 Timothy 2:13

   “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

   I know anxiety is not that simple, but these things are all very true. It doesn’t solve everything, but it does point our feet in the right direction.

One final thought.

I’ve read a lot of great quotes the past few weeks about worry, fear, and anxiety. There are some wise people and they offer great encouragement and practical advice. There is one thing I’ve noticed however that is unique about Jesus and what He offers.

He doesn’t just offer us wisdom, He offers us Himself. He doesn’t just say “don’t worry”. He says “You don’t have to worry because if you choose, I will be with you, and I will give you my peace.”

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

You can borrow my peace! He says, here, take this, I have something to offer you. It’s my peace! I have perfect peace because I have a perfect relationship with the Father. I’ll give it to you. Take it. Let me give it to you. Don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. Another aspect of the Gospel is that we let Him have our anxiety and He lets us have His peace.

I know it’s not that simple, but it is that true. Jesus offers to take on our troubles on the cross and He offers to give us the endless well of His peace. That is a good direction to point our feet!