We live in
anxious times and I suspect that many of us, including me, are just glad to get
through each day. There’s so much uncertainty in the world and it’s affecting each
one of us. We don’t know what lies ahead and, after three years of instability,
we may wonder if things will ever change for the better. It’s been a tough time
to endure and we’re weary, even in Churchworld.
When I came
across today’s verse in my daily readings, it reminded me to seek
God in order to cope with my fears. Far too often, when I’m faced with
difficulties, I offer up a rocket flare of a prayer to God, asking for strength
to sustain me, as well as a timely solution to my problem. It’s not an ideal
way to build any solid relationship with God, for it causes me to treat Him as
my personal spiritual paramedic and individual issue solver. In other words, I’m
only using God for special emergencies.
Seeking God,
on the other hand, takes time. It requires me to stop what I’m doing in order
to have a deep conversation with God. I get so used to rushing my prayers that I
forget Whom I’m actually addressing. However, when I intentionally set aside my
busyness or anxiety, and patiently explain to God what I feel or fear, I humbly
listen for His counsel, wisdom, and teaching. Because I focus on God and not
me, my fears subside and my anxieties diminish.
I think this
is why Jesus invites all of us to come to Him when we’re weary or burdened. It
takes time, as well as personal intent, to respond to such an invitation.
Christ means us to use it as a relationship-builder with Him, and not as a problem
solver for us. He wants us to seek the Lord, be given His answer, and then
be delivered from all our fears.
Point
to ponder: What is currently making me most anxious? Am I willing to seek the
Lord and take time to talk to Him about it?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know us so well and are fully aware of what is presently
troubling us. You’re waiting for us to set aside time to let You know how we
feel, so that You can embrace us in the midst of our fears, hearken to our
issues, and offer Your counsel. Teach us to pray again and to trust You
completely. Amen.
John Stuart
is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can see
what’s happening at the church by viewing its website at www.erinpres.org.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest winter drawings called “Snow Moon.” You can view
a larger version at this link: Snow
Moon.
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