Anxiety

Anxiety is the feeling of dread or unease, a foreboding sense something is wrong (or will go wrong). Anxiety has a way of distorting a problem making it into a mountain that is about to come crashing down. Such feelings of dread can consume our time and energy leaving us moody and depressed. Hopelessness sets in and weighs us down and we feel like drowning.

Many of us are familiar with the passage when Jesus instructs us, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).

I've found myself arguing with that truth. Yes, life is precious and important but I got to eat. There is bills to pay and of course, I need clothing and other necessities. Don't tell me to be anxious for nothing! While anxiety did nothing to help it still felt like I was doing something because I wanted others to know I was worrying (as strange as that might be).

Jesus is not dismissing human needs and desires. He is willing to meet them (verse 30, 32) but commands we "seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (verse 33, NLT).

I believe Jesus is going to the root of an anxious heart.

Anxiety comes from a divided heart which often leads us to mistrust His providence and care. The Greek word for worry means to be drawn in opposite directions. James 1:6-7 says, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (KJV).

We know we are anxious when we nag God rather than rest in His presence. When we get so fixated on something that nothing else matters. Which is why the Lord redirects our focus on what is much more important: His kingdom, His purpose, His needs. When we care for the things of God, He will tend to our needs in a way that we could never accomplish.

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Psalms 86:11, NIV)