As we close this FREEdom message series at Remedy Church tomorrow, I am praying (in advance) that our church will continue the process of asking… searching… and knocking as we learn what it means to be a collection of jacked-up and broken people chasing after the One True God who can heal us, restore us, redeem us, reconcile us, and lead us into a life of obedience and peace.
There are few things more discouraging to me than seeing a follower of Jesus who is struggling with an addiction to anxiety.
Addiction?
Yep. Addiction… to… anxiety…
Anxiety… is the direct opposite of peace.
Anxiety… in the life of a Christ-follower is disobedience.
Anxiety… will always lead to more brokenness and jacked-up-ness.
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows,
but only empties today of its strength.
+ Charles H. Spurgeon
It was Jesus of Nazareth who taught that we cannot add an hour to our lives or even 18 inches to our height by choosing to embrace anxiety (see:: Matthew 6:27). It was Paul of Tarsus who said that we should embrace peace by displacing anxiety with our very faith in Jesus (see:: Philippians 4:6-7).
Living an anxiety-filled life is equal to living a life that denies the ability and sovereignty and movement and the very presence of a loving and infinite God who is already (in this very moment) meeting our needs while calling us to Himself.
Living an anxiety-addicted life is much like swimming in sewage-filled pool.
Then again… I’m sure that your anxiety isn’t hurting you… or shaming you… or depressing you… or holding you captive. I’m sure you’ve got this under control on your own. I’m sure that you are more competent and clever than most. I’m sure that you aren’t unaware of your anxieties and fear and worries and cares. I’m sure that you can balance the anxiety better than your parents did. After all… your addiction to anxiety isn’t effecting anyone but you… and your kids… and your kids’ kids… and your……
What are the anxieties that have creeped into your life?
Isn’t it time to give yourself permission to COMPLETELY trust and hope in a God who delivers PEACE and FREEDOM?
Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all you other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
+ Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 6:33-34)
If you love me you will obey my commands… Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching.
+ Jesus of Nazareth (found in John 14)
…………………………….
//rweaver//