Why Am I Anxious?

I certainly can sympathize with those who feel stress in their lives.  When I encountered the first major move in my life, I went to the Dr for some “helper” pills.  He told me there are three major changes in one’s life that causes extreme stress:  the death of a loved one; an unhappy marriage which leads to divorce; and a major move of location…. especially for older people.  I fit into the last category.

“Why are you so anxious? Take a lesson from the wildflowers.  They neither toil nor spin, yet even Solomon in all his royal glory was not arrayed like one of these.  If your Heavenly Father gives such attention to the flowers, surely He will attend to you also.” (Matt. 6:28-30)

When I dwell on these words I realize that Jesus was speaking to those who also had stress in their lives.  It is part of the human condition. Sickness, death, anxiety, depression, crushed hopes and ideals……they are with us still.  Anyone who says they don’t experience these are either lying to themselves or they have set themselves apart from the real world in which we live.

Jesus never told us that we would be without fear and trembling in our lives but at the same time He gave us hope.  For God is eternal and powerful.  He is here now….in this world and also in the world to come.

“He is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble.” (Ps. 46:1)  Do you believe that?  If so, then you and I need to hold those words close to our hearts.

The bloom of every flower (that’s us) has a purpose.  We are here to be of service to others.  We are called to discipleship.  That being said, perhaps our anxiety and stress might lead us to helping others who face similar challenges in life.  Perhaps we should view these as gifts rather than problems!

I simply hate my anxiety or even my small panic attacks, as anything other than a burden in my life. A psychiatrist listens to your story and then prescribes the appropriate pills, but it takes someone like me  and you who offer understanding and comfort.

That what God does for us.

His eye is on the sparrow and every flower in the field.  We can say “yes” to the life He has given to us.  We take our anxieties and depression to Him.  Here might be the greater meaning of our “baptism” as we become “immersed” in God’s care for our lives.

So take a deep breath.  God’s love is with you always.