Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

Do Not Be Anxious

When the Bible says "do not" it's time to listen, right?! It might remind you of the times when you were a kid and your mom or dad said in a very clear, strong voice, "do not," followed by whatever you did wrong. What's interesting about this "do not" is that it's something none of us want anyway. Who wants to be anxious? Who says, "Yes, I'd like a little more worry in my life with a side of anxiety!" Yet God commands us in this Scripture to not be anxious about anything! 

Now, let's be honest. That's impossible, isn't it? But here's what we are to do so that we don't have to be anxious--we are to pray and be thankful. Prayer and thankfulness are the actions, and faith is the attitude. Through an act of faith, we must freely give God all of our worries-  we must pray and verbalize our gratitude for His goodness in our lives. 

What are you worried about right now? If it's a short or long list, that's okay. Right now, take a few minutes to think about the top 2 or 3 things that concern you the most. The things that make you afraid when you think of an undesirable outcome. It could be in your family, your marriage, your finances, your spiritual life, or all of the above! Give them to Jesus in prayer. 

Take a moment to focus on the Lord and eliminate distraction. Find a place away from the noise of life. Move your thoughts away from the "to-do list" and place them on God. Take five minutes just to think about the goodness, faithfulness, and love of Jesus in our lives. 

Prayer: Jesus, today I want to receive from you. I want to sit at your feet, so to speak, and learn from you. Speak to me today, Lord. Show me Your ways and guide me along Your path that I might experience who You are in a greater way. Help me to soak in Your Word today and be changed for Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen!