Everyone understands anxiety (well, many people do). And we
even sometimes are able to conquer it, we know the signs...and as Christians we
are well aware of what the Bible tells us about anxiety and worry. We know God
is for us. We have read and read and read page after page in the Bible telling
us who we are in Christ. In fact on some days we feel peaceful and free and
content. And all of a sudden, the next minute or day, life happens. Anxiety
creeps in and you have to start to adjust all over again.
Well, we have to continually guard against anxiety. To do this, we must renew our minds daily. In other words, we have to STAY WOKE. The truth is before we even set our feet on the ground each day, satan is going to try it. He will attempt to mess with our heads. Our minds. Our thoughts. Our feelings. Then enemy seeks to get us down. To destroy us. We are now aware of this. After all, in battle and in war, you must first understand the strategy of your opposition; of your enemy. Now that you do, what shall you do?
RESIST. Learn to equip yourself with and arm yourself with
the word of God. God has given us the authority to resist. Replace anxious
thoughts with reassuring thoughts of God's words. We also have to get to the
dwelling place with Jesus. Thereafter you will remain at peace despite what the
day throws ahead of you. I didn't say that means you would have a completely
easy day. It means you are clear headed, you are filled with peace, and most of
all armed with wisdom to handle whatever happens. This is all tried and tested
folks.
Part of that wisdom, for instance is picking your battles
wisely. Don't let a bad five minutes destroy an entire day. Don't let an awful
short conversation with an awful person affect your entire conversations for
the rest of the day with decent people. Do whatever practical thing you need to
do to protect your sanity.
My motto for the remainder of 2017 is that Goodness and
Mercy WILL follow me ALL the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of
the Lord. In fact, I feel like my theme for the rest of the year is DWELL. I will dwell and thrive in Christ. Look, the
year might be close to being over, but it doesn't stop you from setting new
themes and goals and resolutions. It shouldn't stop you from living as full as
you can. Four months is a LONG time.
"Those who dwell in the shelter of the most high will
find REST in the shadow of the almighty." -Psalm 91:1.
So yes, I will mostly be minding my business and dwelling
for the rest of the year by God's grace. It reminds me of one of my favorite
verses: "for I bear the mark of Christ, let NO ONE trouble me." As
you can see, I plan on maintaining my peace while dwelling in God for the rest
of this year and for the rest of my life even.
Therefore as you go back to school, work, living fabulous,
or whatever else rocks your boat, remember this: You will be okay.
I sincerely hope I remember it as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment