“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, 6’10” NBA Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was a fierce competitor on the court. He won 11 championships and 5 MVPs between 1956 and 1969, though he had a problem with anxiety, as his teammates knew. He was so impassioned about his desire to win that he would become sick in the locker room and vomit before big games.
I suspect that each of us has faced at some time a danger or worry so intense we nearly threw up. We can be consumed with trying to control our circumstances until we mentally go into a tailspin. Our hearts beat fast and our minds plunge into overthinking.
This is not God’s plan for us, His children. Jesus gave us peace (see John 14:27) to keep us from fretting about tomorrow and to remind us that the Father is in control. The things beyond our control are beyond us for a reason. Since we know God is sovereign and good, we can trust Him with every worry and fear. Jesus conquered sin and Satan so that you and I could be found in Him, anxious about nothing.
I suspect that each of us has faced at some time a danger or worry so intense we nearly threw up. We can be consumed with trying to control our circumstances until we mentally go into a tailspin. Our hearts beat fast and our minds plunge into overthinking.
This is not God’s plan for us, His children. Jesus gave us peace (see John 14:27) to keep us from fretting about tomorrow and to remind us that the Father is in control. The things beyond our control are beyond us for a reason. Since we know God is sovereign and good, we can trust Him with every worry and fear. Jesus conquered sin and Satan so that you and I could be found in Him, anxious about nothing.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 6:25-34
Insight
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 23-24
- Psalm 19
- Matthew 26