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We had a conversation, my friend and I, about the effects of anxiety on the human body. Perhaps it was even more specifically on our own bodies.

None of us gets to escape hardship in this life. In this case, it would be nice to get the card which states to pass go, do not stop, do not collect anything, just keep on going. But those cards only exist in board games.

We all face fear. Whether we call it ‘anxiety’ or ‘worry’, it still has an effect. There are a myriad of possibilities faced which can cause fear to rise up:

  • Children. When pregnant, we get anxious about giving birth to a healthy baby. The anxiety continues throughout their life as we worry about their future and their current day.
  • Health. As we do what is necessary, we also anxiously wait the results of mammograms, pap tests, EKG’s, and blood tests. Every single year.
  • Jobs and Retirement. Will I make enough to live on now? Will I have enough to retire and be comfortable?
  • Government. Just look at our current presidential race. Enough said.
  • World events. The rise in conflicts and wars and injustices are in the news every week.

Recently a physical therapist stated to me that I internalize my stress. The effect of doing so is a stiff neck, pain in my shoulder blades, and migraines so there was no use in denying it to him.

I message my friend, “I truly need to find a way to release my stress before the Lord. Not trying to trivialize or spiritualize the problem but address it. I know in my heart that for me I need to trust God more fully with my worries. Yeah – worry is a sin, I’m calling it out. Lord, help me.”

And the words of Jesus bid me …

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27, NLT)

And Jesus continues to point out …

“Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (verses 28-30)

“Why do you have so little faith?”, He asks even me.

In this instance, Jesus is not saying the disciples did not have faith in Him but that they had little faith. The disciples believed in Him, yet they had not fully come to understand God’s protection and provision for them. This is a trust issue.

We must trust Him in every situation we encounter.

Jesus was pointing to the birds and saying, “Trust me like they do.”

Jesus was pointing to the lily and saying, “Trust me as the lily does and be in the moment.”

Trust does not eliminate the bad things that may happen, whatever sparked our fear in the first place. Trust simply finds a new outlet for anxiety and a new grounding for confidence: God. Let God worry about the worrisome details of life, most of which are out of my control anyway. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, ” Paul wrote. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

(from Rumors Of Another World, by Philip Yancey, page 218)

Little faith. The words have been pricking my heart for a few days now for you see, I have faith in Jesus. I believe His Word, His truths, and in Him.

But this is even more. It is about trusting Him in the dailyness of my life, to take care of everything that concerns me. Trust is a personal reliance upon the Lord, in His strength, in His ability, and in His sovereignty.

lilies

Jesus is looking for a deeper faith.
Not solely a faith in Him.
But a big faith which trusts Him in all things.

 

Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and #RaRaLinkup .