Scared to death

Scared to death – literally!

There are hundreds of ‘reasons’ to live in a full state of anxiety. Just turn on the news. Terrorists are regrouping.  People with mental health problems are shooting up our cities. Multiple health problems could develop at any time in your body, especially if you're over 50, that will ruin your quality of life! The earth is warming and cataclysmic climate changes are certain to leave our coastal cities under water and our fertile farm land will turn into a desert.  When you drive to work today there will be teenagers who lack skills and experience, trucks that are not properly maintained, and people talking on cell phones whose driving is impaired, on the road with you, just lying in wait to crash into you! I should worry that I watch too much television.

Worry is epidemic in our the land.  The media stokes our fears with whirling graphics, ominous music, and charts in vivid colors.  Then, they sell time to advertisers who offer us safer cars, better medicines, and new politicians.  On the whole, we live amazingly good lives. It's not Heaven, but most of our fears are tremendously overblown and exaggerated.

For the those times and situations in our lives that really do bring us anxiety, and yes they are very real, the Bible gives us an invitation.  The Spirit awakened me this morning with this phrase:  “Just ask!”   Why worry when you can pray?  Jesus says that we are Abba’s beloved children.  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, NIV)  If we refuse to ask, and choose to live anxiously, we sin against Him.   Worrying is actually a refusal to live under God's rule, a refusal to find our security in His total care.  We cannot control the arrival of thoughts that tempt to us to be afraid and/or to worry, but we have a choice about what to do with those thoughts. We can persist in worry, which is an act of disobedience and therefore, sin; (Lord, I need forgiveness. Help me in my unbelief!) or we can prayerfully present those threats and needs to my Father and, according to the promise of the Word, enjoy the gift of the 'peace of God which transcends human understanding.'

What will you do with those things, big and small, that threaten your peace and security today? Will you worry or will you pray? Will you praise God that He is bigger than any trouble that could come into your life or will you try to be your own god and 'manage the risks' as you grow increasingly anxious? "Let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet." (James 4:7-10, The Message)

When the Spirit met me in the darkness of the early morning with His invitation – “just ask” – I did just that! I thanked Him for His faithfulness in the past, and for the gift of faith that will defeat fear.

Here is a word from the Word.  Note the interaction between our choice and God’s provision. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." (1 Peter 5:6-10, NKJV)

I'm going to pray!
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What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
everything to God in prayer.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry,
everything to God in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee,
thou wilt find a solace there.

-Joseph Scriven, Charles Converse, Public Domain