25 Jan, 2010
Are You Anxious Today?
I scanned the internet for a good story to share today but came up empty. As my deadline approached I recognized the familiar feeling of anxiety.
What is anxiety? The dictionary defines anxiety as a state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties. I think we all can relate to this feeling very well. Most of our efforts in life are to remove this state of anxiety and feel safe and secure. If you're like me I get frustrated with myself because I am not very good at eliminating some sources of my anxiety. For me, it's money. I never feel in control when it comes to money. Actually, the anxiety I feel often results in fear. I don't want to look at my bank account for fear that it will be in the negative. I have read many books on managing money but nothing really takes the anxiety away. It is then I am reminded that God wants to be my security not my management of money. It is He that is in control and wants me to be dependent on him. I often feel that He won't accept me unless I have it all together (especially in the area of finances). Let's read God's word and see what He says about that.
Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
What Does God Say About Being Anxious?
God wants us to be dependent upon Him. I love my independence. I bet you do too. I love doing my own thing and trusting in the limited knowledge and skills that I have until something goes wrong. That's when I pray - HELP! But God wants us to seek Him for understanding; to Him for security; and Him for direction. Giving everything to God means just that - everything. As the Scripture says, let's lean on Him for direction. Let's acknowledge Him when things go well and not so well. What really frustrates me is that this never ends. It is a daily exercise. We never figure it out and do it just right. The point is we need to do it. Let's trust Him today!
- What are you anxious about today?
- How have you tried to handle your anxiety on your own? Were the results good or bad?
- Even if the results were good begin to gently give God parts of your life today. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's not about perfection. Acknowledge God's control of the situation and trust Him for direction, peace, and understanding.
Undoubtedly the world around us is anxious. I'm sure many of your friends are stressing over a handful of situations or relationships. Ask God to give you the wisdom and opportunity to share with them how you give God control in your life. Be honest with them. Don't make it overly spiritual but give them a glimpse of the difference it makes to trust in a God who is in control.
- September 2010 [2]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [19]
- April 2010 [21]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [20]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
