Readings for today: Genesis 12-14, Matthew 6
Anxiety is on the rise. Personally. Socially. Nationally. We can sense it in the air. We can feel it in our bones. And the data bears it out. According to a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 1/3 of American adults say they feel more anxious than a year ago. The National Institutes of Health reports that anxiety disorders are now the most common mental health disorder in the United States, impacting nearly 1/5 of all adults each year. The CDC reports significant increases in anxiety among children as well. Some have even called the 21st century the “Age of Anxiety.” No one quite knows the cause though some argue it has to do with the “constant state of threat” we live under due to a 24 hour news cycle and our perpetual connection to the world through social media. I tend to agree with them. So what are we to do?
Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…” (Matthew 6:25) And He goes on to list the things people living in a first century, subsistence agricultural community would be anxious about. Food. Water. Clothing. Basic staples of life. If He were living in a 21st century suburban American context today, He might easily have listed money, safety, access to good healthcare and education, jobs. These are the things we consider to be basic staples of life. So why shouldn’t we be anxious about these things according to Jesus? Because our Heavenly Father sees our needs and meets them. Just as He does the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. Furthermore, there are more important things than the American Dream. More important things than living an upper middle class suburban lifestyle. And then comes the kicker…who among us can add a single hour to our lifespans? What does all our anxiety produce at the end of the day except more anxiety?
So what do we do? After all, anxiety is real. It’s not like we can pretend it doesn’t exist. It’s not like we can muster up the strength to just make it go away. Once again, Jesus provides the answer. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seek to dwell under the shadow of the Almighty. Intentionally live your life in His presence. Stay in step with His Spirit. As you do these things, you will find all that you need will be given to you and all your anxieties will begin to fade away.
What does this look like practically? Well, in my own life, I have found the more I seek Christ and His Kingdom. The more I relinquish my treasure and talents into His hands. The more I give Him my hopes and dreams for my future. The more I let go of my needs, wants, and desires; the more I experience peace. The more I give away, the more I joy I get in return. The more I relinquish and surrender, the more fulfilled I become. I sleep better. I feel better. Anxiety has lost it’s hold on me. Fear has lost it’s hold on me. I am truly free. Not because of my circumstances. Not because my inner strength, health, or well-being. It’s simply because I made Matthew 6:33 my life verse. May you find peace as you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in your own life today!
Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 15-19, Matthew 7