“Hope in an Anxiety World”

Anxiety, along with depression, is one of the number one mental health issues in our day. It's a horrible disease that fills our hearts and fogs our minds. As a senior in nursing school, I am the epitome of anxiety. I'm anxious in knowing if I don't pass this one test, I'm out. I'm anxious to graduate. I'm anxious about getting a job. In the midst of all this anxiety, God is standing there saying, "don't be. I have you." He tells us in His word to put all of that in seeking the kingdom of God. Luke 12:22-32 is a good read for you anxiety riven people. It hit me square between the eyes.

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

God is telling us our life is more than little things we stress over. We're always trying the new fad diets and wanting the latest styles in clothes. He says don't take any thought for that stuff. Our life and our body is more than what we think it should be. He fearfully and wonderfully made us. The only thing He's wanting to change about us is our heart.

Trust in Him. If He, the all-powerful, almighty God, can take care of the birds of the field, do you not think He could take care of the people He made in His own image?

He explains to us that He understands and knows the things that we need and He will supply that need. Why worry about it? Putting all this worry in that job, in losing those extra pounds or getting those new shoes, we should be seeking the kingdom of God instead. I understand jobs and schooling brings anxiety and stress, believe me, I know. But try to take that to Him in prayer. We will have the things we need AND want if we put our trust in Him and seek heavenly things. He wants us to be rewarded in that kingdom.

This is not just a one time deal of saying, "Lord, I put my trust in you." And that be the end of it. Seeking the kingdom of God is a daily walk. It's putting our hope in the King of kings, daily prayer and Bible reading. It's wanting that relationship with Him. We have a BIG God and He wants you to put your hope in Him. In Him alone can our anxiety be driven away.