Society of Anxiety

Imagine Jesus saying these words to you:
"Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me.  So the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me.  When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively.  Remember to listen, as well as speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me."
(taken from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presensce, by Sarah Young)

The Cure for Anxiety, from Luke 12:22-34
"For life is more than food and the body more than clothing....but seek His Kingdom, and these things will be provided for you....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  (verses 23, 31, & 34)  In this passage, Jesus has us look at the ravens- they don't store things up for themselves and yet they are always fed.  Then he has us look at the wildflowers- they don't labor yet they are always clothed by the grass.  Then he reminds us that we are worth much more in God's sight.  So if God takes care of all the little things in this world, would He not take even GREATER care of you and me?

Our society has conditioned us to believe that the harder we work and the more money we make, the more stuff we can have, and that will bring happiness.  OR maybe you believe that the more money you can save, the more peace you'll have in knowing that your family will be ok for the future.  This leads to overworked, overstressed people.  This leads to a cycle of work hard, rest hard (or play hard.) 

But what if you are unable to find that REST?  That peace?  What if you toil and toil and never "see" immediate results of your hard work?  Do you ever find yourself sitting and wondering, where is this PEACE that God promises?

Well, how hard do you search for it? 
Direct your attention back to Jesus' words at the very beginning.
Are you staying in communication with Him?

I've tried to "do life" on my own, with my own strength.  We all think we're strong enough....until we crumble.  Believing you can do everything on your own is denying the glory of the cross.  The power and grace of the cross only comes to you when you acknowledge your weaknesses and lean fully on Him to lift you up. 

Forever more, I claim that my strength only comes from my Savior.  I've noticed that when I'm constantly talking to God, and taking the time to LISTEN to Him (by sitting in silence, reading His word, or choosing praise/worship music instead of the Top 40 channel) there is a major shift in my attitude.  I find peace there.  Even if physical rest is difficult to come by, I find rest for my weary SOUL.

Today, I encourage you to stop your busy self!  Put off something that really can wait a few minutes.
BE STILL with God for just 5 or 10 minutes.

If you don't know where to begin, try this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY&feature=related

(If this link is not working, go to YouTube and search "I Lift My Hands Chris Tomlin")