Anxiety is something that every one of us experiences. It's a common human emotion that we need to learn how to deal with as Christians. On the surface, it seems that anxiety is about the things that we fear, but in reality, it's deeper than that. Anxiety is actually about what we love. When we have anxiety, it's usually because we feel like something we love is being threatened. It may be a relationship, our children, our job, or our reputation.

One question we must ask is, "Is my anxiety based on truth or fantasy?" So many times in my life I've been anxious because of a scenario I've created in my head that wasn't based in reality at all. And other times we're anxious because we devote too much mental energy to things that are simply outside of our control. David Tucker, the pastor I served under at Second Baptist Church, used to tell me about people that were "living in his head rent free." I'm sure you know the feeling. 

There are, however, many legitimate threats that produce fear in our hearts: people who can harm us, relationships that can end, health diagnoses that scare us. To combat anxiety in these circumstances, we need to ask God to help us to look to Him instead of dwelling on the person or situation that makes us worry.

Another question to ask is this: "Is my anxiety reflecting God's priority?" There are some things that we spin over and over in our minds that simply shouldn't have as much of a grip on us as they do. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that there are certain things we simply shouldn't be anxious about. He tells us to not be anxious about "what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (v. 25). 

If we're anxious about these things, it's because we value them too much. It's not that these things aren't important, but God simply doesn't want our priorities to be improperly weighted. He wants us to be much more consumed with Him and His kingdom than on temporary things such as food, drink, and clothing. This is why He tells us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (v. 33). And His wonderful promise to us is that when we prioritize what God Himself prioritizes, then "all these things will be added to you." 

As we go into this New Year together, I'm praying that God would help us all to think on things that are true, lovely, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8), and that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7).

 

 

One of the best ways to get the most out of our time together in corporate worship is to come prepared, going to bed early on Saturday night, and by reviewing the sermon text, our song list, and our responsive readings. To help you prepare for Sunday worship, I've provided each element of our worship below for your review prior to Sunday.

 

In Christ,

 

Hunter Hanson