Food for thought

"Be anxious for nothing..."

If we could do that we all might live past 100.  Truth is, we must learn how not to be anxious and the test comes when we realize we are anxious for something.  Sounds like a catch 22 to me!  We find ourselves over and over anxious for something even though we may choose to describe it in other terms like I'm concerned, or I'm afraid, or worried but they all produce anxiety if not brought before God and dealt with in the truth of His Word.  We deal with life situations every day, situations that cause concern, worry, fear, or anger and they produce reactions. Some we handle exceedingly well, others we later recoil at our behavior. Think back about things you seemed to have handled well and they will have the grace of God written all over them. If we can take the time to become consciously aware of the behaviors that later bring us joy and peace they will possess two distinct qualities that must be there with every situation we encounter and handle well, humility and selfless love.  We cannot have peace without them. I do not think as Christians we desire to handle life situations badly. Instead, I think through God's grace we all get to; how else are we ever going to make a conscious choice to surrender all, lay down our lives, pick up the cross and follow after Christ? The problem is in this loud chaotic world we keep putting down the cross that as followers of Christ we have chosen to pick up!  When we turn our focus off of Christ the weight of the cross we cannot bear, so we put it down without a second thought and pick up enough anxiety to choke an elephant, let alone ourselves. To make matters worse we don't even realize this is what we have done until we are in dire need of help. Until then we somehow believe we can handle it ourselves and we cannot. Everyone is in some way anxious for something, it may be deep in your subconscious, you may do a good job of not letting it surface, maybe you have become a pro of not dealing with worry, fear, anger... by staying busy (which is the spirit of the age ) to quote John Eldridge. My suggestion for us all is to do as it is written "Be still and know that I am God",  let God have access to the deep wells of our heart as often as possible until it becomes continual. Only God knows our heart and He will reveal His truth but we must take time to let Him.  We will discover a Father who loves us, forgives us,  and guides us in all truth. We will have the joy when life rushes in with all its demands, that in all the chaos we, simply lift up our hearts in praise to God and we will be transformed into His presence no matter how hot the fire we are in.  Our joy is knowing we will walk away not burned up, singed, or even smelling like smoke. That, my friends, is a life worth living! 

Father let us learn to walk a humble and selfless life, for it is the only way we can walk with You. In Jesus Christ Your Son's name I pray. Amen.

Love to all in Christ Jesus C:)