February 6
"Be humbled by God's power so that when the right time comes he will honor you. Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:6-7 (GW)
Do you ever struggle with anxiety or worry that seems to keep returning? Many of us do. Anxiety Disorders are one of the most frequently medicated conditions in our society. While the stress of modern life and its hurried pace has contributed to this epidemic, many other factors are also influencing this reality including lack of rest, isolation in a mobile society, and the disappearance of community ties and church attendance. Anxiety grows and thrives especially in a spiritual void. The worry anxiety produces is like a swamp or quagmire that increasingly devours our time, energies, and life. Once we step into this quicksand, it is hard to extract ourselves from its downward pull into the suffocating abyss of worry. Carrying worries, stresses, and daily struggles by ourselves shows we have not yet trusted God fully with our lives. It takes humility to admit our needs, recognize that God cares, and then let God and others in God's family help us. Sometimes we might think worry caused by our own mistakes and foolishness isn't God's concern. Yet if we realize we aren't perfect, accept our human limitations and imperfections, and then turn to our perfect God; our Lord will gladly bear the weight of our worry and struggles!
Yet "letting go" and letting God have your worry needs action, not passivity. Don't sink into swamps of muddy circumstances. Cling to God who controls all circumstances. God is able and willing to carry your worries and will bless you in time. Cast "all your anxieties" on Him today including personal cares, family concerns, present and stresses, on God now! Such issues are burdensome, painful, and torture and distract your mind. They can even destroy your joy in life. Refer all to God's power in prayer and God's peace can replace your worry. Yet God's peace is different from the world's peace. (Jn.14:27) It comes from knowing God is in control. Let God's Peace guard your heart against all anxiety. Be free! God loves you and will gladly carry your worries every day!
Prayer: God, Grant patience to wait for your solutions. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God has the answer to any problem!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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