Anxiety is at record proportions in our society, or so they say. It seems that no matter how much western society progresses and grows, we still can’t master the master, aka fear.
At times, it seems that worry and anxiety manage to creep themselves into our lives even without our trying. Some of us have a natural tendency to worry, even if there isn’t a need.
It really isn’t a big deal. In fact it’s no deal (maker or breaker) at all.
Yet, we still fret.
How do we manage to keep ourselves grounded amongst all the craziness of our own lives along with the craziness of the world around us right now?
We look to God. We ground ourselves in His word and His truth.
This doesn’t mean we play Pollyanna and think that there’s never a problem at all. Instead we know the one who is ultimately in charge of everything and every problem.
In a world of increasing tensions, Psalm 46 is a good one to reflect on:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
This psalm doesn’t say there will never be any problems. Far from it. In the psalm the earth is giving way, perhaps in an earthquake. Then there’s a tsunami, landslide and nations breaking out into war.
This is not a walk in the park.
Why then a post title saying not to worry? Because we know who is with us and what he will do.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Not just a friend – although he is that – but a fortress. A sturdy structure around us that will not be penetrated.
God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Whilst God might bring the desolations on earth – the earthquake, tsunami and landslide, for example – he also brings them to an end.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Despite the craziness of it all, there is a master plan that ends with the glory of God.
The only one who deserves the glory.
So, next time you are tempted to worry, remember the Lord, because…
It really isn’t a big deal. In fact it’s no deal (maker or breaker) at all.
Because God is the only one who makes, breaks and orchestrates all things.
Yours trying not to fret,
Alison
