Craig Clouston

High Anxiety

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with … the anxieties of life.
Luke 21:34

Nothing seemed to faze Merrill. “How can this not frustrate you?!” Vera demanded, more than a little irritated with her husband. “We owe the government 2,402 dollars, and you act as though things will be fine and everything will work out just peachy! Just where do you think we’re going to get that kind of money on such short notice?”
“Vera, there’s no need to get so worked up when something comes along unexpectedly.” Merrill said quietly, trying to reason with his wife. “The world’s not coming to an end.”
“I can’t believe this doesn’t make you angry!” Vera was angry that Merrill was always able to take things in stride and remain calm, while she always stressed out over unforeseen events.
“Honey, right now, I’m not sure about this letter,” he said, rereading it. “But fretting about it won’t help. You know,” he paused, “as I think about it, I’m not so sure we owe them anything. I’ll call Barry and see what he thinks.” And with that, Merrill picked up the phone and dialed his tax attorney’s number. In less than five minutes Barry was able to ascertain that the IRS letter was in error. Vera’s anxiety had been all for nothing.

†

There are an innumerable amount of stressors in this world, most of which do not promote good health. Each one can induce a sense of instability, and anxiety; they can even release adrenaline into the bloodstream, causing our heart rate to accelerate!
Jesus suggests we learn to guard ourselves from unnecessary emotion; to remain alert to the things that matter, yet not become anxious over unanticipated events.
An apprehensive attitude leaves no room for peace or joy and hinders the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
We can’t predict the future. However, we can control our response to those things which catch us by surprise. If this is something you struggle with, ask God to quiet your heart and give you an optimistic outlook.

Prayer

“Calm my heart, Lord. Help me learn to take things in stride and allow Your Spirit to work in my life. Cause me to sense when I am relinquishing control to the enemy so I can reclaim it. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”