| It seems that anxiety is a daily occurrence for most of us these days. In some ways it's nice to know that our spiritual ancestors of 2000+ years ago had anxiety—it makes us feel less alone. On the other hand, anxiety is no fun—no fun at all. When we have anxiety, we feel set apart—alone, as Esther felt—beset with afflictions. We feel set apart, sometimes, from God. |
The good part is that God does answer—a Psalm tells us that "thou didst answer me,” and that "my strength of soul thou didst increase. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me." God knows what we are going through. [Psalms 138:1-8]
Knowing this is a powerful tonic. It works. I remember driving into work some days Some days feeling like there was a gorilla in my office I would have to wrestle to get through the day. But then I tried to remember why I was there—what I was there to do—and what tools I'd been given to accomplish my tasks—among them the support and love of a very understanding God--and things fell into perspective. I shared my imagined fears with God, and they seemed much less. By the time I got to the office door, I knew there was no gorilla.
But there's a little price for all this good stuff. Jesus tells us: "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." [Matthew 7:7-12] So far, so good. But doesn't this seem a little too easy ? Granted, God loves us all and will love us all, always. But should we do something in return? Jesus gives us a gentle hint: "...So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." Be nice. Understand. Think. Have perspective. Don't be a jerk, don't get steamed at the poor slob in the other car who may well have had a day like you nearly had. There, but for the grace of God, etc....
Or in other words, take a little baby step toward being more like God. It's not too much to ask, given the returns we get.
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