Cast your anxieties on Christ:
When the apostle Peter was talking to elders and young men in the church, he said, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you,” 1 Pe 5:7. That is one thing to say but quite another to do. Through this COVID pandemic most New Zealanders have suffered anxiety to some degree. When we are anxious our mind is telling us that we are unsafe in some way. Peter goes on to say, “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your family of believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings,” 1 Pe 5:8-9.
When we are anxious it’s helpful to try and stay in the present and look at it logically. What am I feeling? It may be tight shoulder muscles, a clenched jaw, a racing heart, or too many thoughts. Acknowledge what you are feeling and try to relax and breathe. Then ask yourself, what is making you anxious? Is it your present situation or has something from the present triggered emotions from a traumatic experience from your past? Several people have told me this week that they are not sleeping well, which certainly adds to anxiety. Perhaps write down practical steps you could take to decrease your anxiety. It may be to go to bed earlier, get exercise, or discuss your issue with a trusted friend, Dr, Pastor, or counsellor.
But most importantly, PRAY! Paul says in Php 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We are often good at asking God to help us in our time of need, but not always prepared to thank Him at the same time. When we thank God, as we take Him our prayer requests, Paul says, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” Php 4:7.
Remember that you belong in a church family. None of us are meant to struggle with life’s issues all alone. We need each other.
“Lord Jesus Christ, please take our anxious thoughts and bring peace to our minds and body. We thank you that You are our faithful, trustworthy, eternal friend.”
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.