“If worry was an Olympic Event, we would all be gold medalists!” I just had to share that quote from Max Lucado in his recent book, Anxious for Nothing. Yes, we Christians don’t seem to be exempt from worry. We fret over “what if” and we grow anxious. One thing just leads to another and we find ourselves weighed down in a spiral of worry. Now that’s a gold medal we don’t want!

It makes me wonder about the apostle Paul’s admonition to the Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing.” Did he really live in the same world we do? Was he in touch with reality when he wrote those lines? How on earth can a real live human being, living in this world, truly “be anxious for nothing?”

So whatever did Paul mean? It seems that the presence of anxiety is unavoidable. But, as Max Lucado so aptly put it, “The prison of anxiety is optional.”

Our God does not want us to live in a constant state of angst. He understands our fears. Our Lord Jesus Himself experienced fear and anguish as the time of his crucifixion approached. He knows how we feel. But He is with us even if the midst of our worry. He knows we need a sense of peace and calm. He is ready to give it. If only we turn to Him for His help.

We can skip the gold medal for worry. We have a God who loves us dearly. Yes, He loves me and He loves YOU, unconditionally.

Judy

“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.