Shoulders tense, brows knit, eyes wary, each buried within himself. Some attempt sleep on an uncomfortable chair. No one speaks. Everyone in this surgical waiting room awaits “the call,” the surgeon reporting the outcome.

It reminded me of the disciples sequestered in an upper room. They were anxious, confused, heart broken. Their friend Jesus was not with them. He had been crucified. They were afraid of the Jewish authorities. They didn’t understand. What would the outcome be for them?

Anxiety is nothing new. It’s a very human reaction to stress. But God wants to help us.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians chapter 4 said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Contemporary Christian author, Max Lucado, authored a book entitled, “Anxious for Nothing.” It sounds like an impossible directive – be anxious for nothing?? Anxiety is a feeling, it will come. But how do we deal with it? As long as we’re trying to manage the outcome, we become more and more stressed. It may be a hard pill to swallow, but we are definitely not the one in control.

What to do? Remember that God is sovereign! He is in control. Come to Him with thanks for all He has done. Then you will find His peace calming your anxious spirit – the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, the peace that comes from a God who loves you unconditionally.

Judy