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| John 14:27 |
Today begins the start
of several weeks of travel with 8 other individuals—we’re called the friends—a
small group of musicians in a pop band representing Florida College and
performing at summer camps to tell campers and staff all about the benefits of
attending the college. Since I was probably 5 years old, I have only dreamed of
being one of these “rock stars” that claim to be a part of some college down
south. I can’t even express how excited I am to be a part of this group—getting
to travel and grow closer to my fellow band members, but more importantly, God.
On page 3 in the Sky
Mall magazine I read about a product called Thundershirt, invented for pets to put on in order to alleviate
stress/anxiety. “Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a profound calming effect
for most dogs and cats when anxious, fearful, or over-excited. Use for fear of
thunder, fireworks, separation anxiety, travel, barking, jumping and more! … already helping thousands of animals and
pet owners.”
I’d like to think we haven’t gotten that desperate, trying something for ourselves, originally intended
to relieve anxiety in our pets! My complimentary beverage and pretzels don’t
taste so good anymore when I think about the ways people deal with worry,
stress, and anxiety.
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| Luke 12:24-34 |
Do you find yourself worrying
about your life? Maybe your work? Future? Finding a future spouse? Graduating
college? Friends? Family? Possibly even your own spiritual condition? While
these things aren’t necessarily wrong to worry about, it is important for us to
respond to our fears in a way that puts God first, and trusting in His will and
plan for our life above our own targets.
It is all around
us. From the small child crying in fear of losing his or her mommy when she
goes to throw away trash 10 feet away, to the anxious individual speeding by me
to catch their departing flight, anxiety is real—at times more visible
than others.
“Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
If anyone had something to worry about, it was the apostle
Paul. In prison he records for us one of the most beautiful passages in the
entire Bible.
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| 1 Peter 5:6-8 |
Are you seeking the LORD in times of worry and anxiety?
Asking advice from a trusted source? Figuring out why you feel the way you do?
Getting a good meal and some sleep? There’s much more to life than earthly troubles. Fill your time with things
that will help you focus on heaven—seeking things above! (Colossians 3)
Confident in God’s ability to comfort, strengthen,
and support during any time of trouble or hardship, what are you worried about? (Matthew 6:25, Proverbs 12:25-27)
