Feeling anxious these days? You know the symptoms of anxiety – you don’t sleep well, you don’t laugh often, you worry more about the future, you become more fearful, and you just might not be as kind as you should be. An anxious heart can lead to a very pessimistic and negative life as well as causing physical and mental side effects.
Just keep in mind that anxiety is not a sin but an emotion. Not only does it produce a life of “what ifs” but it can lead to sinful behaviors when we turn to remedies of alcohol, drugs, money or just blaming others. Jesus gave this word: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with…the anxieties of life” (Luke 21:34 NIV).
Tomorrow Peter will give us a couple cures for anxiety:
- Give them to Jesus. Peter writes, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). As you sense anxiety welling up inside you, cast it in the direction of Christ. Trust God to handle them all.
- Don’t let the devil rob you of your joy and peace. He writes, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
- Jesus contrasts himself with ‘the thief’ who comes to ‘steal and kill and destroy’ (John 10:10a).
God made you for more than a life of angst and mind-splitting worry. He has a plan for your life and He sent His only Son to let you in on it. The word “cast” means to throw out or relocate and tomorrow you will be invited to see how far you can cast those cares away.
Hope to see you there,
Pastor Rob
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