Let's say, You go throughout your day and the alarm clock didn't go off, you have 15 minutes to get ready for work. It's a big day because the boss is going to be there and you are up for a possible promotion.
You remember just before you head out the door, that school pictures are today. The kids haven't gotten hair cuts, you didn't help them pick their clothes out and you didn't write out a check.
Your mind is tied up for several weeks now with thoughts of cancer, because you found a lump and you are awaiting an appointment with the doctor.
On top of that your spouse has been late several nights in a row and he is acting strangely for the past couple months.
The reason you are trying for the promotion is that your on your final notice of not paying the mortgage and if you don't come up with 3K somewhere, the bank is going to foreclose.
Perfect Peace Ang...you're going to try to use Christianity to explain perfect peace in this mess, or more? My answer is yes.
The Answer, is always Jesus.
I'm reminded of several passages in scripture about peace. Mainly because I think our entire worlds are, have been, or can be similar to the synopsis above. So many things in life that rob of us peace, because we've invested time and energy, our hearts and our lives into them. They are important to us and rightly so, we want to protect them.
I've lived outside of peace for several years. Full of anxiety, fear of the future, fear of what was to come, afraid in some cases, I'd never get back to where I was before the anxiety and depression hit. But I did, and in many cases better than I was. I have family members that have lived outside of peace for many many years, consumed with fears of sickness, death, dying. Fear paralyzes it's target and keeps their focus on it.
This morning, I read:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Yes, I remind myself, in all situations... the answer is Jesus.
We shall do our part, such as show up for the interview, we shall call the school and let them know we forgot the check for pictures, we shall pray over our health and families, and go to the Dr.'s appointment in faith, we shall ask our spouses if something is wrong and we shall be good stewards of our money and seek financial classes, call the bank for extra time. We shall do our part, but we do these things first by seeking the kingdom ways and answers and then by taking action. When things go wrong, even after seeking the kingdom as they often will, we look to Christ in faith that He has already prepared a way. Many times, it doesn't look like you want it too... Walk through it anyway, trusting in Christ, with your eyes set like flint on Christ.
Oh what a journey it will be!
**** Share with me your testimonies of times where you were full of anxiety and you chose to turn your focus to Christ******