Our world is fraught with unending monstrous anxieties. Anxieties come because of fear of the unknown future. The fear may be real or apparent. Many of us have failed the test of anxiety because we deem anxiety as the end of our world. When anxiety occurs, it dislodges our inner peace with God. Science may help to mitigate its effect but Christ Jesus cures it absolutely. Biblically, anxiety originates from our misconception about what life is all about:
Materialism
Jesus said in Matthew 6: 25, 31; Luke 12: 22 Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? We think life is comfort to the body, hence the cravings for it causes anxiety. We are never content with what we have. However the real meaning of life is the security of our souls with Christ Jesus in eternity.
Wrong priorities
Do we seek the comfort of the inner man or the body? Jesus asked in Matthew 6: 25, is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? In other words, life is more than materialism. When we subscribe to misconception, it leads us to set the wrong goals with misguided expectations. We carry on our shoulders imagined future challenges which may not be real or may not materialize. Certain wrong priorities makes us to worry endlessly.
Confusing the day
We attempt to live tomorrow’s day today. Rather, each day has its set of activities. Jesus said in Matthew 6: 34 so do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Each day has its way of resolving its matters. Tomorrow’s events are only speculative since only God knows tomorrow so our imaginary circumstances may not even occur or that tomorrow may not even come. In the above biblical reference, Jesus wants us to live a day at a time.
Fear of the unknown
The misconception also gives birth to fear of the unknown future. It is not necessary to fear if God is in control of our affairs. Regarding false accusations and prosecutions, Jesus said in Mathew 10: 19-20; Mark 13: 11; Luke 12: 11-12 when they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father (Holy Spirit) speaking through you. When we take the gavel away from God, he allows us to face the music alone. When we leave it to God, he perfects all things. We need faith in God.
Confusing godly standards
God’s standard is to satisfy the souls whilst the world’s standard is to satisfy the body. Sadly, we often chase the world’s standard based on its false attractions. Anxieties come when we become trapped without a clear way of exit. God’s way is eternal life whilst the world’s way is eternal death.
Colossians 3: 1-2 say if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Anxiety sets in when we mix the two opposing standards of life. So, how can we overcome anxiety?
We must do what Jesus says
From the above biblical references, it is clear that we must reverse our approach to life. We must lay our burdens on Jesus for he said in Matthew 11:28-29 come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Jesus’ simplicity of life and his focus and faith in God is the cure to anxiety.
We must know God’s pleasure. Psalms 50:15 says call upon me in times of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Times of anxieties are great opportune times to turn to Jesus. 1 Peter 5: 7 says cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Judas was anxious for money so betrayed Jesus and died without the benefit of the thirty pieces of silver, Matthew 26: 15; Proverbs 3: 5-6.
It is one of the weapons of the enemy by which we may be separated from God. Paul said in Philippians 4: 6, have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. By the words of Paul, we should thank God when anxiety comes; and we should pray in humility to God to intervene.
Any time we fail to adhere to God’s rules, we are bound to be anxious. James 4: 3 says you ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly (amis), to spend it on your passions (lusts). When we apply the will of God, we will avoid anxiety or anxious moments. Ephesians 5: 17 says therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
We must not be anxious any more for the Lord is our strength in battle. Nehemiah 8: 10 says do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. He is with us always until the end of time. What are our anxious moments in life? In such times, do we run to God or run away from God? Do we trust God as able to resolve the issues for us? Are we guided by God’s word of life with faith? The world may fail us but Jesus never fails.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we have been burdened with anxious moments because we have departed from your way. We are interested in your yoke of simplicity of life in order that we may have rest unto our souls. Help us to prioritize rightly seeking first your will in all circumstances. Wash our anxious moment away and give us your peace through your blood by your Holy Spirit. In your name we have prayed, Amen!!
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