Читать книгу Simply Victorious for Life - Jennifer Workman - Страница 10

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me (Psalm 42:5, NKJV).”

Does that sound familiar? If you’ve answered yes to this question, then you are definitely not alone because that has been the heartfelt cry of many people. A cry for help and relieve amidst the constant weights and pressures of life. Life is very difficult. We as human beings are inundated with various stressors on a daily basis from unexpected family issues, to unending financial strains, to marital issues, etc.

The pressures of trying to live up to a false picture of what the world views as “perfect” and one that is able to be “all things to all people” is a daunting feat indeed! We are in a constant state of arousal and it is “no wonder” why we deal with such a high level of anxiety. The body wasn’t created to be under a continual “adrenaline high.” You do a lot of “undoable” damage to your body because it isn’t equipped to “function effectively when it remains in a perpetual state of tension and arousal (“Christian Counseling-A Comprehensive Guide” By Gary Collins- Pg. 78).” One of the manifestations of being under a constant state of arousal is Depression. The Bible tells us that “anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression (Proverbs 12:25, NKJV).” Also, there are many other mental, physical and emotional affects that anxiety causes on our overall well-being from heart disease, to panic attacks, to aches and pains, to headaches, to anger and “the list goes on and on.”

According to the Bible, there is nothing wrong with honestly facing and trying to deal with our problems of life. But it is wrong and unhealthy to be immobilized by excessive worry (Christian Counseling-A Comprehensive Guide by Gary Collins, pg. 79).” Having this in mind, we really need the help of the Lord to effectively and adequately deal with anxiety. As David states, “Search me, O God, know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties (Psalm 139:23).” Whatever plagues us and is at the center of an “anxious heart,” needs to be brought to God in prayer, and it is through prayer, that we connect with God and receive help from God to be able to successfully maneuver the complexities of life.

God is the source of all comfort and is “present” to ease our anxious hearts (Psalm 46:1, NKJV) and (Psalm 94:19, NKJV). “He cares about us and he doesn’t want us to carry loads that are impossible for us to carry but release those burdens on his strong and capable shoulders (I Peter 5:7) and (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV).” For God promises to always be with us through our trials and tribulations (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV).” Thank God for his unwavering and indescribable love towards all of mankind!

An unwavering love so strong that he sent his only begotten son Jesus to atone for the sins of all people (John 3:16, NKJV). “Having exemplified that, do you think that God would leave you in the predicament you’re in, to crumble under all the negativity and problems of life?” My answer to you is “no!” God loves you unconditionally and if we as people are able to receive his love without limitations, then, we know unequivocally that we can turn over all our cares and concerns of life to him because he is our Father and our “refuge” (Psalm 46:1). “When you can’t count on no one or nothing else you can count on God!”

I implore you today to relinquish whatever control you may have over your situation and place it in the powerful hands of God almighty. We spear ourselves from sickness, death and unnecessary pain, when we recognize “who can really handle our problems” and it definitely isn’t us but God! I know that this isn’t something that some of you can do instantaneously but honestly, “is anything else working? The Bible tells us emphatically for us to cast all our cares upon Him for he cares for us (I Peter 5:7).” Try God because in the long run, what you have to loose other than “weight” that you were not meant to carry!”

For You to Ponder: Relinquish your desire to feel like you are in control of your life. Recognize that God is sovereign and he is in control of your life and the path that you take. You are not “an island to yourself.” Pray today and seek the Lord about every direction for your life in terms of family, career, health or whatever the case maybe because he will direct your steps.