10-14-2015

Good Morning All!!

           Proverbs 12:25; “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

      I was visiting with some young parents a few weeks ago.  They were having a discussion about their young children.  The mother was worried about where her children would go to pre-school, would they make friends, where they would go to college, find a job and the list went on.  The father was far less concerned.  He tried to tell her that her worry was a sin; this, of course, went over like the proverbial lead balloon.  So we talked a little more.

    I asked the mother if she remembers how many times she changed her mind before she selected a career.  She stated it was quite a few.  I asked the dad if he had any idea about how difficult or easy it was to get into preschool.  He did not have any idea.  I asked if they were planning on saving money for college or other schooling ahead.  They had talked.

    Our discussion continued but pointed out a difference in how we look at life.  It is one thing to be concerned about the future and to be anxious about it.  It would seem that concern leads to action.  In our discussion the mother had already planned for the preschool.  In their situation, it was difficult to get into one so planning ahead made sense.  Her concern focused her energy and helped her form her decision. 

    They we looked at her fear that her children would not have any friends.  This was something she had no control of and no way to really shape it.  Worry, anxiety about things she will no influence on, was causing her to lose sleep.  The same could be said about worrying about a job for her children.  These thoughts were beyond her control and merely kept her awake.

    So as we look at our lives, there are many things which are completely beyond our control and scope.  Here we place our hope and trust in God and his promise to always care for us and to have plans to prosper us.  We can’t control if our job will disappear in the near future and if it does, we trust that God will provide for us new avenues and new paths.  Yet, at the same time, we should conscientiously perform our tasks and job.  We should be faithful in the duties we are entrusted with.  We should make plans where we can, trusting that the Spirit is aiding us in making God pleasing decisions. 

    God gives us the confidence to always trust in his love and mercy.   We can know it is always there for us to comfort us when the way seems difficult and confusing.  His Spirit gives us hope; his Spirit gives us a discerning heart to follow his will.  So if anxiety ways you down, pray for God’s Spirit to comfort you and if you do not feel the lifting of the weight that this anxiety causes; speak to someone who can listen and aid in your healing.  God desire is for you to live a faithful life in his kingdom where we can trust in his love and kindness.

Father, in your mercy relieve my anxieties.  Send your Spirit to give me comfort and hope.  Guide me with your truth to make decisions and plans that are according to your will.  Give me the discernment to know when concerns become anxiety.  Lead me to know your peace.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret