Anxiety - Pt. 2

To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:1-4 ESV).

 

A Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant to speak to the general worries and anxieties caused by regular life situations. Mental illness is a very real struggle for Christians and non-Christians alike and should be treated by qualified mental health professionals.

 

“What’s the worst that can happen?” That’s the question so many of us use to make our decisions about our thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, it is woefully inadequate to assist us in feeling free from anxiety or fear of the future. David must have felt this when he wrote our reading today. The sworn enemies of the Israelites had taken him captive. The plans they had for him were nothing short of terrifying. Yet, he comes to this conclusion: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (v. 4). Even if others or circumstances drown us in pain and trial, what really is that in comparison to what awaits us as the children of God. Knowing that I can now begin to take some positive steps to control my anxieties and fears in the face of the future.  

 

We can present our anxieties to God (cf. Philippians 4:6). We can trust God despite fear (cf. Psalm 56:3). It is in God’s presence that we become the recipients of joy (cf. Psalm 94:19). God will care for us now and in the future (cf. Matthew 6:33-34). Ultimately we must realize that nothing can separate us from God’s love (cf. Romans 8:38-39). Once we place ourselves in the mindset of these truths we will be able to face the future knowing that whatever happens is merely a temporary inconvenience. By this time tomorrow morning I will have already checked into the hospital for the heart procedure. As is the case in any surgery there are always risks. In this case they are relatively rare. However, these “what if’s” cannot rule my thoughts. Nothing can compare with that which God has already provided for my life. So, though I will not be actually writing in the next few days, please know my thoughts are for your encouragement and hope. Jesus has already eternally secured us! Really… what can man do to us!