PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 94
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19)
More and more I hear about people that struggle with anxiety.
I would say for myself that I experience a mild grade anxiety.
It is not debilitating, but it is always there under the surface.
The psalmist describes what causes him anxiety: wickedness in the world.
What causes you anxiety: health, family, money, relationships, danger, abuse?
My guess is that behind it all, there is some level of sin or badness.
Not necessarily in me, but something not right in the world that causes anxiety.
What hope do we have against sin and evil, apart from God?
Jesus took on the root of evil – satan, sin, death – and won!
Trouble still occurs in our world, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Many things still cause fear and anxiety, but Jesus can help with all of them.
Focus your heart and mind on Jesus, and let his consolation give you joy.
No, it will not remove evil from the world, or from your life.
But it will remind you that no matter how bad evil gets, it cannot beat Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, it is not easy to choose you over anxiety. But it is even harder to give in to anxiety – then there’s no hope. I choose you over anxiety!
The Lord God is with me at all times. He is the Rock, the sure foundation upon which I stand. He is the wind beneath my wings to make me soar. He is my Help in times of trouble. At all times I need to live for Jesus and He will see me through. In times like today, He is my Comfort, my Hope, my All in all.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
‘Blessed is the one you discipline…my God the rock in whom I take refuge’ – I can count on the Lord. As he disciples me through his HS – I find the strength to face the day – whatever the challenge that sometimes causes me anxiety – or the challenge that I’m not sure I can handle. I know I need the HS to help me and to reassure me – so that I can serve well! Lord, I do get anxious…help me to grow in trust each day – to always find refuge in you even as you disciple me.