Where to Put Anxiousness

Where to Put Anxiousness
by David Brenneman

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9.

"For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." 2 Corinthians 7:5.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death works in us, but life in you." 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

"And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Paul's anxiousness, his weakness, was his overwhelming concern for the Churches of God.  When not there with them it's evident that the enemy of God was trying to cloud his mind with attempts at worrying about them. 

I had thought long ago, as many have tried to preach on the subject, that his thorn in the flesh was his eyesight.  However, when you really consider the dynamic person Paul was, that's actually utterly rubbish.  Paul's list of things he went through physically he didn't complain about so why would he about his eyes?  But in the context of the dynamics of Paul's life you see his extremely strong desire that his efforts to prove obedient to the command given to him by Jesus towards the Gentiles...it makes perfect sense.

In that light you see the proper use of that same zeal he originally was showing in his youth in his attacks on Christianity as lived out in assuring the Churches he planted weren't in vain.  So he visited...and visited...and visited these churches.

Anxiousness is part of the human experience but it doesn't need to define it.  Our identity, as was with Paul, isn't wrapped up in our feelings and emotions. 

Our identity is who we are in Christ, who the Father says we are.  When imputed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ upon us all the Father sees is Jesus when He looks at one of us.

If I were asked about these last, now going on 8 months, of unemployment if anxious thoughts were there...in all honesty...for the most part no.  Certainly the peace of God which passes all understanding has guarded our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Regardless of anyone's social or employment status...remain faithful in the Lord.

"Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3.

"Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalms 37:5.

:For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Psalms 55:22.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21.

Considering what passages we read today...and the many others that are available to us...Paul had to trust what investments in people that he had in those churches, equip them, and leave them with Jesus to take from there.

Our lives are such chaos at times we get pushed this way and that and through it all...Jesus is the constant that never changes.

I was reminded of the fall of 2021 in 2 and 3/4ths months my Wife and I were literally pushed through the wringer after I accepted an offer for a job 2 hours from where we were living.  I had to give a 1 week notice at my current employer.  Had to find a realtor in our new hometown, find one in our current hometown.  Figure out where to put stuff we were keeping, and the excruciating part of what to do with what we were not keeping.  Add to this points of the home inspection where we were that had to be addressed.  All the while I was staying in a camper heading into winter, working through the week and handling the rest on weekends. 

Yet God saw us safely through it.  Upon move-in day our new church sent many people to unload.  God had provided for their meals.  God had provided warm weather and no snow which was right before Christmas. 

This is but one example of a stressful time where prayer was our answer to what was anxious to us but never to our Savior in whom we trust. 

The temptation to be anxious is part of our fallen nature.  If even the Apostles dealt with it we will too.

Remembering these passages when anxiousness creeps in is the proper response to it

We are several months removed from unemployment benefits yet God keeps faithful in His promises to provide for us. 

The end is near, both my Wife and I agree on that.  Soon enough I will be working at a job again.  In the meantime my job is to both look and to accomplish whatever it is He puts before me to be doing.  Whether its around the house or helping others.  Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.".

So before going down the path of anxiousness...ask yourself what it is that you're not trusting God with.

Our very life is in His hands.  He's surprised by nothing.  He always provides exactly on time.  Hecsays never to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough trouble of its own.  He's already there dealing with your tomorrow before you see it or experience it.

Think on these things.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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