Anxiety is fear but also control. And when we can’t get control, the result is anger. We begin to seethe and become frustrated by not being able to control a situation. I’ll give you a really practical, everyday example of this. Run into heavy traffic when you’re extremely late for something very important.
(Um, yeah, I’m in that situation right now. Look Mom, no hands! I’m letting Siri type for me.)
Do you start chomping at the bit and become white-knuckled? Do you writhe with anger at the person who’s making you even later by driving slowly in front of you? That’s anxiety. That’s my demand to control the situation. It isn’t pretty and neither am I when I’m in it. Or how about this: Type and lose an important thought on your smartphone because Siri got it wrong for the fifth time. How far do you want to throw that phone? (You are reading this, so I guess I didn’t take it to the nth degree. LOL.) The stronghold of anxiety emerges in every aspect of our life. It is inescapable as long as it remains a ruling power.
His Control is His Demand to Care
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
He cares for me; I need not care for myself, and more than that, it is sin to do it. GIVE ALL is a command I must be obedient to – not a suggestion I can opt to take. Here is another rest stop on this highway to anxious-free living.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 NLT
Thanksgiving! Yes, give thanks in everything. Everything is a big word with huge ramifications. Everything! So that includes the delays to my agenda, the loss of my revelation, even the events that led to my anxious stronghold. And why? Because He cares for me. He is a perfect Father. Perfect!
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Thank you, John.
Really pleased you are enjoying it. Got a number more to go. Bless you Pauline, are you doing better? Still praying.
Giving thanks seems to be the word of the day. I receive it everywhere. Thank you.
Bless you Wanda! I am always thankful for you.
There is such Peace here! Thank You, Jesus, thank you, John! “He cares for me; I need not care for myself…”, isn’t that just Wonderful?! He is GOD! Sovereign and Good and Love! i was reminded early today of Jesus’ desire: ‘How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!’ Oh, Lord Jesus, thank You, forgive my anxiety and unbelief. i repent, thank You, and roll my ‘this’ over to You and rejoice that You ARE God! My Loving and Sovereign and Good Good Father- thank… Read more »
I receive the blessing LT, so pleased this is ministering to you!
Shot through the heart! Pretty much speechless.
Ah!! and… Yikes!