Richard Maisenbacher
Addressing Anxiety - Richard Maisenbacher
Negative circumstances in the world and in the U.S. are causing many to question God’s authority and/or love. If He really loved us, He wouldn’t allow this or that. Many have lost faith or trust that He has any control. On top of that the enemy (the spirit of fear) is totally agreeing and whispering those thoughts to us. The enemy is getting us to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil by desiring for us to know what’s good for me and what’s bad for me. As opposed to having a relationship with the Tree of Life (Jesus, God, and Holy Spirit).
In Matthew 6:25, “…do not be anxious for your life.” That is easier said than done. Anxiety is being afraid of things that are not real, or things that might happen…what if thinking. I do not feel peaceful about here and now because I am worrying about what is to come. Anxiety discounts God’s promise to watch over us. It is disbelief. We might say or think to God, “I don’t believe what you promised.” Jesus knew that we would be afraid of being powerless over the future. However, He is still saying to trust in God’s promises.
He is telling us that anxiety comes from the illusion of control, and control can be destructive. Why be anxious? Because I have no control. I fear something I cannot prevent.
With fear I am going to try to control anything that threatens me rather than possibly find the reason I am afraid. We can’t say that our covenant relationship with God is most important, and then act in ways we believe can control our future, which we may perceive as chaotic. Jesus says we will serve God or ourselves.
He tells us to let anxiety go because it can cause us to serve two masters. Anxiety disrupts our ability to serve God because it convinces us that He is not in control. Then, if He is not in control then it is all up to us. We are not saying bad things can’t happen. They can and do. Jesus says we cannot provide for our future on self-reliance or self-control. The universe is not in my control. The enemy whispers that you can’t count on God. Take care of yourself.
Jesus says God is in charge. Align with Him. We do have complete control on how we respond to the universe. We have freedom on how we react. We may not understand what happens, but God knows this and He’s still in charge. Focus on His mind. Follow His Spirit. Even though the God who reveals also conceals at times (so that we can search it out…Proverbs 25:2). However, God loves us. We are in covenant with Him. Eat (have an intimate relationship) of the Tree of Life and trust Him.
In His Covenant Love,
