I tend to be a rather anxious person no matter what the circumstance. I realize that anxiety and worry are sinful and we are commanded to resist those very human responses, but I so often give in to the flesh. This past Wednesday (2 April) we learned of a situation that has my “worry machine” in overdrive. Although I cannot disclose the details of the matter at this time, we would certainly covet your prayers as our family seeks to truly surrender all to the Lord.

When we got the news, my mind started racing. Worry was one of my initial responses. When I came to terms with the fact that I cannot change the outcome even if I wanted to, I started praying -- yes, I should have done this first anyway. I prayed that the Lord would take my anxiety away (too easy, right?) and show me how to “cast all my anxieties on him because he cares for me” (1 Pet. 5:7).

Well, as I got settled in bed that night, I took out the Daily Bread devotional and decided to read that day’s devotional. Don’t you know that the scripture reference for that day was Matthew 6:25-34???!!! The very scripture that commands us not to be anxious… that tells us that if God takes care of the birds and the lilies, will He not also take care of us who are more valuable to Him? The scripture that tells us not to worry about tomorrow and that we cannot add even one single hour to our lives by doing so. Finally, the very scripture that reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Right away I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me… BUT He wasn’t done.

That following morning I went to our desk calendar to change it to that day’s date -- 3 April. Each day has a scripture verse on it. That day’s verse was Luke 12:24 part of the parallel passage to Matthew 6:25-34!! The message was the same… that if God takes care of the ravens, how much more will He care for us who are more valuable to Him!

There was no doubt that the Lord was sending me a message. I had referred to these scriptures in the past during other trials, but to be led to them without expressly seeking them out made the message resonate even louder. Maybe my spiritual ears were so clogged that the Lord had to take such action.

I know I have no choice but to strive for obedience in handing my fears, worries & anxieties over to the Lord. When anxious thoughts creep in my mind, I say a quick prayer telling the Lord that I am sending that worry His way. Even if our situation fails to turn out the way I want it to, I must continue to give God the glory and rejoice in the fact that His plan for our lives is perfect and that He knows best.

“…Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

" ...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

In Christ,

Talya