Anxiety
The other day I took a test. I scored 78 out of 115.Now 68% is usually passing and I was feeling pretty good about my score – especially since I did not study for the test. As I listened to the results, however, it was clear that my high score was probably nothing to brag about. For this was a test to determine my level of anxiety – how anxious I was. You can probably infer from the score that I am an anxious person.
As I took stock of my life and reflected on the results of the test, I had to conclude that I am and have been a person with a high level of anxiety. As I reviewed my life’s story, I was reminded of many times when I was placed into situations where my anxiety level rose. I think back to the numerous times when I was the “new kid” in the class, having moved and starting school. I remember living in Chicago with its high crime rate, robberies, gunshots, break-ins and even a murder in front of our apartment. I recall walking in the hallway of my college and seeing smoke pour out of the floor vents as the building burned. I re-live the various times I stood at the graveside and buried those near and dear to me – grandmother, godmother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, mother, father, college roommate and wife. I remember the times when the paycheck couldn’t stretch to cover the necessities, let alone the bills.
I also recall the joyful stresses in life – marriage, four beautiful children, an advanced degree, purchasing a new car, a house and making a home. I celebrated with the children as they each in turn graduated from university. I rejoice in a new marriage. I delight in grandchildren.
As I reflect on my past I confront the present and challenge the future. Yes, I may be an anxious person, but I lived – I loved – I worked – I was a success. Today I live – I love – I work – I am a success. In the future I will live – I will love – I will work – I will be a success. For I have a confidence that only faith can give me.
No matter what the circumstances – no matter the stressors – no matter the level of anxiety I may be feeling – I can always cast my cares on the Lord. He has promised to carry them for me – He has carried them for me – all the way to the cross and left them on Golgotha. The empty tomb seals His promise. The empty tomb is the hope of the future. He is here now, walking beside me and carrying me – no matter what my burdens, He lifts me up.
The day I took the test I was a 78. Today I feel I am an 18. Tomorrow I may be a 98. No matter what my score, Jesus is there, willingly carrying my burdens. What a joy and a blessing that is.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5: 6-7
Yes, God will lift me up, He will renew, restore, refresh and strengthen me to live for Him.
The other day I took a test. I scored 78 out of 115.Now 68% is usually passing and I was feeling pretty good about my score – especially since I did not study for the test. As I listened to the results, however, it was clear that my high score was probably nothing to brag about. For this was a test to determine my level of anxiety – how anxious I was. You can probably infer from the score that I am an anxious person.
As I took stock of my life and reflected on the results of the test, I had to conclude that I am and have been a person with a high level of anxiety. As I reviewed my life’s story, I was reminded of many times when I was placed into situations where my anxiety level rose. I think back to the numerous times when I was the “new kid” in the class, having moved and starting school. I remember living in Chicago with its high crime rate, robberies, gunshots, break-ins and even a murder in front of our apartment. I recall walking in the hallway of my college and seeing smoke pour out of the floor vents as the building burned. I re-live the various times I stood at the graveside and buried those near and dear to me – grandmother, godmother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, mother, father, college roommate and wife. I remember the times when the paycheck couldn’t stretch to cover the necessities, let alone the bills.
I also recall the joyful stresses in life – marriage, four beautiful children, an advanced degree, purchasing a new car, a house and making a home. I celebrated with the children as they each in turn graduated from university. I rejoice in a new marriage. I delight in grandchildren.
As I reflect on my past I confront the present and challenge the future. Yes, I may be an anxious person, but I lived – I loved – I worked – I was a success. Today I live – I love – I work – I am a success. In the future I will live – I will love – I will work – I will be a success. For I have a confidence that only faith can give me.
No matter what the circumstances – no matter the stressors – no matter the level of anxiety I may be feeling – I can always cast my cares on the Lord. He has promised to carry them for me – He has carried them for me – all the way to the cross and left them on Golgotha. The empty tomb seals His promise. The empty tomb is the hope of the future. He is here now, walking beside me and carrying me – no matter what my burdens, He lifts me up.
The day I took the test I was a 78. Today I feel I am an 18. Tomorrow I may be a 98. No matter what my score, Jesus is there, willingly carrying my burdens. What a joy and a blessing that is.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5: 6-7
Yes, God will lift me up, He will renew, restore, refresh and strengthen me to live for Him.