Saturday, February 7, 2009

Let not your heart be troubled

I’m feeling a little stressed today, and I know I don’t need to be feeling this way; my heavenly Father can take care of what needs taking care of, but sometimes those feelings of anxiety can sneak up on a person.

I felt the tightness in my chest and the queasiness in my stomach and said, “Oh, Father, don’t let my heart be anxious.” But that’s not how it goes, is it?

As I think of Bible verses dealing with anxiety, I see that I’m the one required to give my stresses to God; He’s not required to come and snatch them away from me. Look at these examples (emphases mine):

John 14:17b; Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6; Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

1 Peter 5:7; Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 55:22; Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Did you notice the common thread of these verses? It’s not God’s job to keep my heart from being anxious. He tells me (us) to do that. We are required to do something. God will help us through, but He’s looking for that step of faith on our part—that giving up of our control and placing our trust in Him.

So I’m going to lay aside my plans and schemes for getting through this difficult time. Instead, I’m going to spend some quiet time with my Father, trust in Him with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. I’ll acknowledge Him in all my ways, and He will make my paths straight (from Proverbs 3:5-6).

I feel better already.

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