Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Anxious? I certainly am.
When innocence is under constant assault, Christianity is persecuted around the world, and even discriminated against in the land of the free; when it feels like our country is being ripped apart (literally) and there are predictions of doom lurking around every corner, it’s hard not to feel anxious.
From the doomsday clock, to the threat of a pandemic, words like stress, worry, and fear, might as well plague every headline.
Conspiracy theories, such as the one proclaiming that we only have twelve years to live, strip away aspirations and hope, making it easy to fall into the pit of despair.
But that’s not what God wants.
God doesn’t want us quivering in fear, too weak to give of ourselves, reflect his light, or do anything. Because that’s what fear does, it paralyzes…
On the contrary, God wants us strong, ready to serve others with joy, being lights in this world that not only share his love, but fill others with hope.
Nehemiah 8:10 declares that the joy of the LORD is our strength, well, how do we get there?
By first realizing that nothing is too big for God, then accepting the fact that he cares for every part of your life.
Yes, that includes the little things.
Then cast (pray) your anxieties on him.
We need to surrender every fear, every worry, every temptation, every single moment of hopelessness and hate, to him.
Pray for the big things, our nation’s leaders, the freedom of our faith, your family, your church, your neighborhood and fiances.
Then pray for the little things too.
Yes, those little things that matter to you, matter to God too.
For example, when hurricane Harvey hit Texas, panic caused a massive gas shortage. It was fear that led people to fill up trash cans and fifty gallon drums of gas, which depleted the supply to where many gas stations were empty. Yellow tape enclosed most pumps I drove by, and out of gas signs were everywhere.
Like everyone else, I had places to go.
When my tank came close to empty, what did I do? Stay home and wallow in despair?
No!
I prayed.
It was so amazing and made me feel so loved, when the Holy Spirit would lead me, sometimes out of my way, right to the exact station that actually had gas!
One time, a station was out of every type of gasoline, besides regular unleaded.
It was incredible.
So I know that if God cares about my gas tank, he cares about EVERYTHING!
Once we stop being afraid to pray about the little things, we can boldly approach God with the BIG things.
Imagine how much better the world would be, if every believer in Christ prayed bold prayers; I’m talking Elijah sized, BOLD prayers!
To think, God desires that from us. How wonderful is that!
So the next time you are insulted, worn down with worry and barraged with hopelessness, realize this:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Anything that makes you feel condemned, is from the devil…
So rise up from anxiety, and stomp down fear with the faith of bold prayers.
Kimberly Humphreys