Anxiety

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4: 6

Quite a few Christians live in a terrible state of anxiety, constantly fretting over the concerns of life. The secret of living in perfect peace amid the hectic pace of daily life is one well worth knowing. What good has worrying ever accomplished? It has never made anyone stronger, helped anyone do God’s will, or provided for anyone a way of escape out of their anxiety or confusion. Worry only destroys the effectiveness of lives that would otherwise be useful and beautiful. Being restless and having worries and cares are absolutely forbidden by our Lord, who said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?'” (Matthew 6:31). He does not mean that we are not to think ahead or that our life should never have a plan or pattern to it. He simply means that we are not to worry about these things.

People will know that you live in a constant state of anxiety by the lines on your face, the tone of your voice, your negative attitude, and the lack of joy in your spirit. So scale the heights of a life abandoned to God, and your perspective will change to the point that you will look down on the clouds beneath your feet.

• Darlow Sargeant, taken from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman and Updated by Jim Reimann, Zondervan, 1997

It is a sign of weakness to always worry and fret, question everything, and mistrust everyone. Can anything be gained by it? Don’t we only make ourselves unfit for action, and separate our minds from the ability to make wise decisions? We simply sink in our struggle when we could float by faith.

Oh, for the grace to be silent! Oh, to “be still, and know that [Jehovah is] God” (Psalm 46: 10)! “The Holy One of Israel” (Psalm 89: 18) will defend and deliver His own. We can be sure that His every word will stand forever, even though the mountains may fall into the sea. He deserves our total confidence. So come, my soul, return to your place of peace, and rest within the sweet embrace of the Lord Jesus.

• selected, taken from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman and Updated by Jim Reimann, Zondervan, 1997

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on thee:

Because he trusteth in thee.

Trust ye in the Lord for ever:

For in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Isaiah 26: 3-4