Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Human beings have an amazing capacity for anxiety. It comes with our capacity to imagine, to project things into a possible future, and it is perhaps the greatest training ground for faith. This particular passage is focused on physical needs, but emotional and spiritual needs are also fertile ground for anxiety. The fact is, focusing on God will relieve us of those anxieties as well, because the more we focus on Him, the more His presence is manifested in us by His Spirit, and He is indeed the source of every emotional and spiritual supply, as well as the physical. The longer and the more closely we walk with Him, the better we understand this. Anxiety is a major tool the devil uses to rob us of our peace and joy, and it is the joy as well as responsibility of every child of God to stand firm in Christ and refuse to let him (the devil) do it.

I have certainly been going through further training in this recently. However, God is wonderfully faithful, and I think I’ve come through stronger, with perhaps a passing grade on the test. I am not invulnerable to anxiety over physical supply, but I’ve seen God work in that area so many times that resisting anxiety is not so difficult any more. My current area of training is in people: dealing with them and their attitudes and actions. I need to remember that people’s response to me is a mirror of their response to God whom I serve. (John 15:18-21) I am not to get conceited, refusing to accept correction, but neither am I to join them in their accusations of me. As Paul learned through years of experience, I am to examine myself, but let God be my Judge. If He doesn’t show me anything needing repentance, then I am to release the whole matter into His hands and refuse to be anxious. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Father, it’s been quite a ride recently. Thank You for the beautiful resolution You provided yesterday. Problems certainly remain, but the anxiety is essentially gone. Help me remember where I am right now emotionally and abide in Christ so that I may maintain this stability. Help me teach and encourage others to do likewise without coming across as thinking I’ve “made it,” that I’m perfectly mature. May I be Your instrument of deliverance and healing for all I encounter, so that together we may trust and praise You, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!