The Root of Anxiety

Anxiety is fear of the future. We feel anxious when we come to the conclusion that the future holds no promise of change or when we aren't sure what's going to happen from one moment to the next. Sometimes anxiety is rooted in a person's feelings that he is incapable of handling a new challenge. At times, anxiety is rooted in a person's setting standards that are too high, even impossible. Sometimes anxiety is rooted in a person's feeling torn between two opinions or between two people she loves. At times, anxiety is rooted in unresolved hostility.

Jesus knew all about these causes of anxiety. Anxiety over life's basic needs was a problem when He walked the earth. Jesus lived in an area that was occupied by Rome, and nobody was ever sure what Rome might do next or what new taxes and laws might be issued against the Jews. Daily life was difficult: thousands upon thousands live a hand-to-mouth, day-to-day existence. Sickness and disease were prevalent. Great tension existed between those who considered themselves to be "Law-keeping" Jews and those who were perceived to be Law-breakers.

This is what Jesus taught His disciples:

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

 ²⁷ “Look at the lilies 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. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

 ²⁹ “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  (Luke 12:22-30 NLT)

As you look closely at what Jesus taught about anxiety, I hope you will note these three things:

1.  God knows what you need. Much of our anxiety is rooted in a feeling that we must maintain control over every detail in our lives because there is nobody else whom we can trust to know our needs and to provide for us. Jesus made it very clear, "Your Father knows." He knows because He cares for us with an infinite love. We are of exceedingly great value to Him.
2. God will supply what you need. Not only does God know what you need, but He knows by what means, when, and precisely how much to supply so that your need is met fully. He is a loving Father who desires the best for His children, which includes a full provision.
3. Only God can alleviate fully your feelings of anxiety. Nobody else can ever fully know or meet this need in your life. God alone sees the beginning from the ending of your life and, therefore, He alone knows what you will need at precisely every moment of your life in order for you to do the work and fulfill the plan that He has for you.

God will do the providing for us as we trust Him. His part is to meet our needs. Our part is to trust Him to meet our needs.

³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12:31 NLT

¹⁹ And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT

Excerpts from: Developing Inner Strength/Charles Stanley

What does God do all day?

Some companies sponsor a Bring Your Child to Work Day so that children have a better understanding of what parents do on the job. After one such day, a child was asked to share what he had learned about his father's job. With a stifled yawn the boy replied, "All he does is meet."

Sometimes it appears to people that all God does is answer prayer. But is that true? What really does God do all day?

While the Bible says that God is always attentive to the voice of His children, God does a lot more than just listen to and answer prayers. Part of what God does all day is work in cooperation with people's work. According to Psalms, human labor is futile unless God puts it into process. Exodus reveals God is the One who gives people the abilities they need to do work. Paul reminded the Corinthians that their generosity was linked to God's work of giving to them. Genesis says people cultivate what God already has created. And Hosea and Jeremiah declared the prophets wrote and spoke only what God had spoken to them.

God works in this world, too. According to the Book of Isaiah, God actively rules over the nations, calling up different ones to places of importance while reducing others to subservience ( useful as a means or an instrument; serving to promote an end) or annihilation (utter destruction or wiping out). God has also been at work in the nation of Israel. He called Abraham to a land God promised would be his. God set apart his descendants, gave them victory in battle, delivered them from slavery in Egypt, and raised up leaders to solidify them as the nation of Israel. God still watches over Israel, working out His promise to bring them into a land of peace and prosperity.

And God is at work every day in human life, too. He intervenes, guides, guards, and directs the lives of His children. His daily work can be seen through you.

Worth Thinking About:

• Because God is at work in individual's lives, the psalmist says people should acknowledge their dependence on God and be grateful for His help.
• God is actively at work in creation. The Bible says God sustains the created order of the plants and animals, the stars and planets, and all other living things.
• God also works in the church. As a head directs the movement of a body, so God acts as the head of His church to direct its growth and ministry.

Jesus answered them, "My Father is always working, and I too must work." John 5:17

Excerpts from: 100 Answers to 100 Questions about God/Lila Empson/S.M. Hupp