There are times we bend to anxiety, which, moves into our thoughts and imagination impacting the way we respond to life. God has more for us than to be enslaved by anxiety. Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, NASB)
The point Paul was trying to express is elementary: God is present. When we study the context he wrote in it is clear that we share the same issue as the people of ancient times did: the response of anxiety when we realize we do not have control. BUT, Paul makes it clear that it does not make sense to be anxious . . . God is present . . . and . . . rather than respond with anxiety we respond by praying. Before we skim over that . . . we need to let the fact that what Paul is saying to sink into our mind as well as heart . . . prayer is the answer to anxiety.
So, we are commanded to be anxious for nothing! The thing is . . . it requires intention to make the decision to be anxious for nothing. The key words are "for nothing." That said, it is impossible to escape anxiety at some point in our journey of life without the help of the Spirit of God.
There is a way to be anxious for nothing. God has promised us that He will be our strength in our weakness, in and through the power of Christ that dwells within: "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB).
It really is a miracle to experience the strength of Christ and to be anxious for nothing. I can only imagine how easily it would have been to freaked out with anxiety as the high-powered Egyptian army chased the Israelite people through the Red Sea. Yes, God provided them with the way . . . but . . . the Egyptians continued to pursue them and took the same pathway to capture them. When they turned around, they saw their pursuers disappear into the sea: "The waters covered all the chariots and charioteers -- the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived" (Exodus 14: 28, NLT).
The Israelites were free. Their pursuers were gone. Not one was left.
Be anxious for nothing.
God never fails. Never.
God will make a way in the Red Seas of life.
Learning to KickStart the day intentionally being anxious for nothing,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)